Fayette County Genealogy Project

Obituaries

Harry Y. BEDFORD ( -1934)

Dunbar News—
Full Military honors were afforded, Harry Y.
Bedford, colored, at funeral service held for him at the home
of his brother, Raymond Bedford of Speers Hill on Sunday
afternoon. The Rev R.D. Epps of Mt. Zion Baptist Church of
Connellsville officiated. Among the hymns sung were “Abide
With Me”. The Hughes Post of the American Legion had charge of
the service. Rev. W.S. Hamilton of the post read the legion
ritual at the grave. The drum and bugle corps met the funeral
cortege at the cemetery. Color bearers were George Porter and
Jesse Courtney with Jarvis and Tillie Pollygus acting as color
guards. The personnel of the firing squad was: Herman Carr,
Sgt. Wilbur Hardy, Harry Ainskey, John Golden, Alva Clements,
Richard Harvey, Andrew Holsing, George Mesco and George Rohm.
Interment was made at Mt. Auburn Cemetery. Mr. Bedford died at
the home of his brother on Thursday following a short illness
of pneumonia, and if he had lived until the 19 day of this
month he would have been 40 years old. He was a World War
veteran and served in the 505th engineers for 22 months.
Relatives and friends from Mt. Pleasant, Connellsville, Wheeler
and Uniontown attended the services. Those in the Drum and
Bugle Corps were: Raymond Province, Frank Moore, Charles Hall
and Raymond Moore. Anthony Gilmore was the bugler.

Daily News Standard, Uniontown, PA,
Wednesday, April 18, 1934

Contributed by Marilyn Tolentino <
SFFoster at aol.com>

Anna BEDNAR died in 1931. Her obit was contributed to the Fayette
County USGenWeb Project.(2)

Mrs. Anna Bednar, 41, wife of Andrew Bednar of House 85 Brownfield, died in the
Uniontown Hospital, Wednesday, June 24, 1931, at 5:45 a.m., following a major
operation performed recently. Besides her husband she is survived by the
following children: Mrs. John Zebula, Mrs. Mary Pompora and Anna Zebula,
all of Uniontown and Andrew, Albert, Joseph, William and Margaret, at home.
Two sisters, Mrs. John Kascak and Mrs. Mary Stedena, both of Scranton and two
brothers, John and Andrew, in Europe, also survive.
Funeral arrangements will be announced later.

Edward BEDNAR (1919-1994)

Edward Bednar, 75, of 1312 Brighton Ave., N.E., Warren, Ohio,
and a native of Fayette City, died Thursday morning in Trumbull
Memorial Hospital Emergency Room, Warren, Ohio. He is survived
by his wife, Grace Onusko Bednar, whom he married May 17, 1947;
children, Daniel Edward Bednar of Bryn Mawr, Leonard John
Bednar of Olney, Md., and Mrs. Terri Bednar Driggers and her
husband, Mark, of Garland, Texas; two grandchildren; and a
brother, Peter Bednar of Fayette City. The family will receive
friends in the Sinchak and Sons Funeral Home Inc., 727 East
Market St., Warren, Ohio, on Monday from 5 to 8:30 p.m. and
Tuesday until 9:30.

Emma (Anna?) BEDNAR died in 1931. Her obit was contributed to the Fayette
County USGenWeb Project.(15)

BEDNAR FUNERAL SERVICES
Short funeral services will be held for Mrs. Emma Bednar, Saturday morning at
9 o'clock at the home at Brownsfield followed by Requiem High mass at the St.
Mary's R.C. Church with Rev Rather Blazic officiating Burial will be in the Church
cemetery.
Written June 25, 1931

John
G. BEDNARIK died in 1931. His obit was contributed to the Fayette County
USGenWeb Project.(32)

JOHN G. BEDNARIK
John G. Bednarik, aged 35, of House 56, Continental No. 2, died at 6:30 a.m.,
Wednesday, June 17, 1931, in the Uniontown Hospital of complications.
He is survived by his widow, Mrs. Katherine Bednarik and two children, William
and Edward, both at home. His parents, Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Bednarik, of Lebanon
avenue, Uniontown, and the following brothers and sisters, also survive: Joseph
of Cleveland, Ohio; William, Stephen, Andrew, Michael, Anna, Sophia and Katherine,
all of Uniontown.
Short funeral services will be held at the parents' home at 2 p.m., Sunday, followed
by additional services in St. Mary's Roman Catholic church, in charge of Rev.
Fr. John Blazic. Burial will be in the church cemetery.
Herald 6/18/1931

Miss
Mary P. BEEBEE died in 1854. Her obit was contributed to the Fayette County
USGenWeb Project.(17)

DIEDof pulmonary consumption, on Sunday morning, June 25th, Miss Mary P.
Beebee, in the 20th year of her age
<condensing very long obit>
..................
The young lady who forms the subject of this notice, though a native of Philadelphia,
had lived amongst us during the greater portion of her life. Soon after the removal
of her parents hither she became a favorite member of the M. E. Sabbath School.
...................
Her remains were followed by a large concourse of friends of which the members
of the Sabbath School formed a part, and were interred close by the grave of
a sister teacher, who had preceded her on her solemn mission, and with whom many
of her happy youthful house had been spent.
.................
During her illness the Bible was her constant companion. She looked to it as
the anchor or her future hopes, and to her God as the only being to effect their
blissful consummation. Beloved while living, her death has brought mourning to
the hearts of a large circle of friends. An only daughter, her loss is deeply
felt by a mother, under whose fostering care she attained to womanhood, and under
whose kind ministrations she passed from death unto life.
.....................
The Genius of Liberty, Uniontown, Pa., July 20, 1854.

Elizabeth
BEEGHLEY died in 1938. Her obit was contributed to the Fayette County USGenWeb
Project.(36)

Mrs. Elizabeth BEEGHLEY, 80 years old, wife of Jacob H. BEEGHLEY, and a former
resident of Connellsville, died at 9:45 o'clock Wednesday evening at the home
of her son-in-law and daughter, Mr. and Mrs. Roy LEWIS, near Kenmoor, with whom
she had made her home. She had been confined to her bed since last August.
Among the surviving children are Samuel BEEGHLEY of South Connellsville and Ira
S. FRIEND of Connellsville.
The Daily Courier, Connellsville, Pa, Thursday, December, 8, 1938, Page 6.

Dorothea D. BEEHNER died in 1925. Her obit was contributed to the Fayette
County USGenWeb Project.(5)

BEEHNER, DOROTHEA
Mrs. Dorothea D. BEEHNER, 78 years old, died Tuesday at the home of her son,
Martin BEEHNER of the Mount Pleasant Brick road, formerly of Connellsville.
Connellsville Courier Thurs. 3-12-1925

Ida M. BEEHNER (1873-1967)

MRS. IDA BEEHNER

Mrs. Ida M. Beehner, 94, of Greensburg, R. D. 5, died Tuesday
morning in Westmoreland Hospital, Greensburg. Mrs. Beehner was
born Jan. 8, 1873, in Penn Township and was a member of the
First Lutheran Church of Greensburg. She was the daughter of
the late William M. and Sarah Carroll Donaldson and the widow
of Benjamin Beehner who died in 1946. She is survived by the
following children: William D. of Hunker and Fred G., B. Carl,
Ralph E., and Miss Dorothy E. Beehner of Greensburg, R. D. 5.
The following brothers and sisters also survive: Mrs. Anna
Hill of Cleveland, Ohio, Mrs. Margaret Baum of Latrobe, Mrs.
Ethel Kearns of Norristown and Arthur and John of Greensburg;
15 grandchildren, and 31 great-grandchildren. The body is at
the Coshey funeral home, Greensburg, where the funeral service
will be held at 2 p.m. Friday with Rev. William F. Pfeifer,
D.D., officiating. Interment will follow in Hillview Cemetery.

MRS. MARY E. BEERBOWER

Mrs. Mary Elizabeth Beerbower was found dead in bed yesterday
morning in Uniontown by her home in Uniontown by her son
Robert. Death was due to apoplexy. Funeral tomorrow afternoon
at 2 o'clock from the family residence. Interment in Park
Place cemetery. Mrs. Beerbower was born at Glade Farms, W. Va.
She is survived by two sons, Robert and Frederick of Uniontown.

INFANT DIES

Nancy Jane Beers, infant daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Arthur A.
Beers, rear 59 Kerr street, died in the Uniontown Hospital,
Thursday afternoon, October 26, 1944. Private funeral will be
conducted by Dr. James C. Clark, pastor of Second Presbyterian
church, this afternoon. Burial will be in Park Place cemetery.

BEESON—
Anna Beeson, daughter of Jesse Beeson, died at the residence
of her father in Uniontown, Pa., Jan. 18th, 1865, of Pulmonary
Consumption.

It has seldom fallen to my lot to record the death of so interesting
a person as Anna. To remarkable beauty, were added the qualities of
an excellent mind, a warm heart and a genuine Christian life. She
was converted to God and united with the Methodist Episcopal Church,
when about sixteen years of age, and continued a faithful follower
of the Lamb until the close of her brief life. When in health she
was always faithful to all the means of grace. She was particularly
attached to the Sabbath School, in which she was devoted and capable
teacher, and after she had ceased to attend all other meetings she
was still at times present at the head of her class of little boys,
apparently unwilling to give up the discharge of the duties of her
important trust. But her work was done and the Master called her
home.

Her illness was protracted through several months, yet although so
young, she never complained. She was always, whether in sickness or
in health, one of the most amiable beings and during her last
illness it was esteemed a pleasure to wait upon her. She gave ample
evidence of a preparation for death, when the crisis came she met it
with Christian fortitude, declaring that she was not afraid to die.
She left dear friends to mourn her early departure, but they have a
great consolation. Like some bird which had found its cage open and
flown away to sing amid the groves of some sunnier clime, so Anna’s
sweet spirit has flitted away to join the anthems of the redeemed.
May God grant them a happy reunion in that beautiful land.
H. L. C.

Celissa Ann (Bell) BEESON died in 1951. Her obit was contributed to the
Fayette County USGenWeb Project.(37)

EXTRACT:
NAME: Mrs. Selissa Ann Beeson
AGE: 83
SURVIVING: her husband, William Beeson, and four children.
From page 2 of the Saturday, March 31, 1951 issue of The Daily Courier (Connellsville,
Pennsylvania)

Henry H. BEESON died in 1869. His obit was contributed to the Fayette County USGenWeb
Project.(17)

BEESONOn the 8th of July, Mr Henry H. Beeson youngest son of Jacob Beeson,
who was among the earliest settlers of Fayette Co., and also one of the proprietors
of the land upon which Uniontown now stands.
Henry was born on the 9th of March 1788, and had entered upon his 82d year at
the time of his death. He served one year in the war of 1812, under the command
of Capt. Collins. was a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, a man of
good morals, gentle disposition and retiring habits. He was widly known and universally
respected, and leaves many friends behind him to sympathize with his afflicted
family.
The Genius of Liberty. July 29, 1869.

Henry H. BEESON, Jr.
(1833-1864)

DEATHS

Beeson—
On the field of battle, from a wound received in the left
breast and shoulder, at the battle near St. Mary’s Church, twenty
miles from Richmond, on the 24th of June, 1864, Henry H. Beeson, Jr.,
of Co. G, 16th Penn’s Cavalry, in the 31st year of his age.

The family had been kept in suspense and uncertainty in reference to
his fate until the return of his comrade in arms, (Mr. Simon
Norris,) who volunteered to stand by his wounded friend until death,
and in doing so was captured and kept in the hands of the enemy.
Being now released to bear the sad intelligence of the certainty of
Henry’s death. Henry H. Beeson was a noble, generous, and loving
son and brother, a brave and faithful soldier. He has endeared
himself to all his officers and fellow soldiers. His last words
were, “I die for my country. I know I must die, and I am ready.”
We have reason to believe from his gentle character and worthy life
he was ready to live and ready to die. May we be also, and always
ready.

Gen. Henry W. BEESON died in 1863.
His obit was contributed to the Fayette County USGenWeb
Project.(11)

DEATH OF GEN. BEESON

When the news of the death of Gen. Beeson reached us last week, we had commenced
working off our paper, and we stopped the press to make a brief notice of the
sad event.
This week, we clothe the columns of the Genius in mourning as a token of our
sincere sorrow, and a mark of respect for the memory of the departed patriot.
Upon the poignant grief that pertains only to the family circle, and can only
be felt there in all its depths, we do not presume to intrude, but in the public
grief, which has smitten thousands, who knew and loved the deceased, we partake
in a large degree.
In the days long gone by, when newspapers were few, and the art of printing but
partially developed, and when the "Genius of Liberty" was struggling
for existence and recognition as a public journal, the liberal hand of Gen. Beeson
was ever open and ready to uphold and sustain it. At more than one period
of its early history, it would have been compelled to succumb under pecuniary
embarrassment, had not Gen. Beeson with that disinterested liberality which always
characterized him, stepped forward in the hour of need and furnished relief.
How appropriate then, is it, that the "Old Genius" should render a
becoming tribute to the memory of its early friend and benefactor.
In all the private relations of life Gen. Beeson was above and beyond reproach.
In his public life as Prothonotary of his county, member of the State legislature,
member of Congress and politician, he was honest and true, faithful and zealous,
firm and consistent. It may be said of him with pre-eminent truth, that
as a party man, he filled the measure of the much abused term, a "life long
Democrat." No tempest of popular commotion, no fitful fever of public
sentiment, no change of men or names, no revolution ever made the slightest impression
upon his firmly fixed principles and well poised judgement and equanimity.
He was wont to say that his political opinions were based upon a "solid
rock;" and with this foundation to support him, he knew no wavering in his
adherence to the "everlasting Democracy."
His long and active life on this earth is ended. He is gathered to his
fathers, and
"Take him all in all, he was a man.
Whose like, we ne'er shall look upon again"
We have made our own notice brief in view of the beautifully written, and just
tribute, contained in the obituary, published in another column to which we refer
our readers.
The Genius of Liberty. Uniontown, Pa. Nov. 5, 1863.
Vol. 3, No. 39, Pg. 2, Col. 2.

Isaac BEESON ( -1871)

NEIGHBORHOOD NEWSWASHINGTON COUNTY

Hon. Isaac Beeson, late of Greene county, died at the residence
of his son, Edward Beeson, in Fredericktown, Washington county,
on the 31st of January last, aged seventy-nine years.

James BEESON died in 1837. His obit was contributed to the Fayette County USGenWeb
Project.(38)

On the 5th inst. of fever, at his residence, in George township, Mr. Ja mes Beeson,
aged about 50 years.
The Genius of Liberty, and Democratic Shield.
Wednesday Feb. 8, 1837.
Vol XXXII.âWhole No. 1665.
Pg. 2, Col. 6.

John BEESON
(1794-1866)

On the 17th inst, at the residence of Mr. Jonathan Springer, in North
Union tp., Mr. JOHN BEESON, in his 72nd year. He met death as became
one who had never feared it, calmly and fearlessly, and passed away
full of years and honor, and of that hope, without which, earthly
years and honor are worse than vanity.

Mr. Beeson was and “old soldier” of the war of 1812. He served as a
private in the company drafted from this county and commanded by
Capt. Lynn. His term of service was brief, (only six months.) but
very brilliant. When the Government called for volunteers from the
land forces to make up the complement of Perry’s flotilla, he sprang
eagerly forward. He was assigned to the four gun schooner Ariel,
Lt. Packet, on the 10th of September, 1813, and passed with her
through that renowned conflict on Lake Erie, which threw so much
glory over our infant navy, and secured for us undisputed supremacy
on those great inland seas which cover our Northern borders.

It is related that in the heat of this engagement, Private Beeson,
during a momentary scarcity of shot, charged the gun he was serving
with a large iron crow-bar, which so disabled the rigging of one of
the British ships, as to cause her immediate surrender.

He was one of those brave men to whom the Legislature of
Pennsylvania afterwards directed silver medals to be given, in
testimony of her admiration and gratitude.—His medal bears the proud
old legend: “We have met the enemy and they are ours.”

PERRYTOJOHN BEESON

In testimony of his patriotism and bravery
in the naval action ofLake Erie, September 10, 1813.
On the reverse side, Commodore Perry’s profile
and the legend following:

Oliver Hazzard PerryPro Patria Vicit
Presented by the Government of Pennsylvania.

His mortal remains were committed to the grave with those military
honors to which he was so well entitled. The funeral escort
consisted of veteran soldiers of a later but far more terrible—but
not more glorious—struggle. It was indeed a most appropriate and
touching tribute to the departed hero and patriot of a former age,
that his dust should be borne to its final resting by those who
themselves had stood by the flag on many a bloody field. May such
spectacles never be wanting in our land! May the day never come
when the veterans of the republic shall not find kindred hands and
kindred hearts to bear their ashes to the tomb. All honor to the
heroic, the patriotic dead.

“HOW sleep the brave, who sink to rest
By all their country's wishes blest!
When Spring, with dewy fingers cold,
Returns to deck their hallowed mould,
She there shall find a holier sod
Than Fancy's feet have ever trod.
And Freedom shall awhile repair
To dwell, a weeping hermit, there!”
William Collins

BEESON—
On the 26th of March, at the house of her son, S. M. Beeson,
Esq., Mrs. Judith Ann Lewis, in the eighty-fifth year of her age.
She was born September. 12th, 1784, in Hardy county, Virginia. She
removed in early life to Fayette county, Pennsylvania, and from the
latter place removed to Niles, Michigan, in the summer of 1832. Thus
has passed away one of the early emigrants to the county, after a
long and useful life. She had raised a large family, of whom four
survive her. She was gifted with an active mind, and was firm in
her attachments and devoted to her friends and family. For many
years she suffered intensely with neuralgia in the face. She bore
her suffering with heroic fortitude. When she knew that death was
near, she was calm and tranquil, having a firm hope of a future life
of honor and glory. Her last moments were eminently peaceful, and
she departed from life like one who compose herself in quiet slumber
after the labors of a weary day. It was well said by the friends
who surrounded her dying couch—

“We thought her dying when she slept,
And sleeping when she died.”

Departed this life on the morning of the 14th inst. MISS MARTHA S.
BEESON, in the 19th year of her age.

In the early death of this amiable and interesting lady, we are led
to perceive, that however young, we, are not exempt from the
conquering hand of that monster, who makes the same delightful
repast, whether feasting upon youth and beauty, or upon age and
deformity. She had early attended to the admonition “Remember thy
creator in the days of thy youth.” Three months have not yet
elapsed since she became adopted into the family of God, by
remission of sins, and having her name enrolled among his people,
and in this short time she has been prepared for, and removed to a
seat in the church triumphant in Heaven. To her bereaved parents we
would say, one by one have you resigned your earthly props into the
hands of the Lords tender mercy—one by one have you deposited their
earthly tabernacles in the cold and cheerless graves, and while the
tears of nature have followed the much loved objects, their spirits
have risen to Heaven, where they remain “far from a world of grief
and sin, with God eternally shut in.” Look forward then to the
period when you shall join your departed children in the realms of
immortal bliss. Her remaining friends have no cause of mourning.
God in mercy has removed her from a world of sorrow, grief and pain,
to one of ineffable glory and delight; then,

“Why should you weep, tho’ on earth you must part,
Though death may dissever the chains,
That binds you together united in heard,
In glory you’ll link it again”
Communicated.

Mary A. BEESON died in 1840. Her obit was contributed to the Fayette County
USGenWeb Project.(38)

DiedâOf Consumption, on the 9th inst. about sunset, at the residence
of h er father, James W. Nicholson, Esq., in Springhill township, Mrs. Mary A
. Beeson, wife of Mr. Isaac Beeson, Merchant, of this place, in the 33d y ear
of her age. Her sufferings, though not generally acute, were of lon g continuance,
having been confined, with a few exceptions, for nearly s even months, during
which time, but particularly near the closing scene , she gave proof of her faith
in Christ. Her earnest desire was often a nd strongly manifested that her childrenâher
brothers and sistersâher f riends who surrounded her, who as
yet stood aloof from the offers of sa lvation, should close in with the terms
of the Gospel. It is no less a p rivilege than duty, to speak of her faithfulness,
meekness and patience , under her protracted sufferings, and of her amiable and
unassuming de portment during her Christian life. Long will her friends and acquainta
nces cherish her memory.
Communicated.
The Genius of Liberty.
Uniontown, Pa.
Monday, July 13, 1840.
Vol. I, No. 14, Pg. 3, Col. 6.

Mary Hunt BEESON ( -1926)

MRS. MARY HUNT BEESON

Mrs. Mary Hunt Beeson, wife of W. T. Beeson, died suddenly
Tuesday morning at her home in Uniontown. Besides her husband
she is survived by two children, one brother and several
sisters. The funeral service will be held Thursday afternoon
at 4 o’clock at the home.

Mrs. Mary Beeson

Mrs. Mary (Hustead) Beeson, widow of the Honorable J. C.
Beeson, died at her home on East Fayette street, Thursday
evening at 5:55 o’clock. Death was due to an attack of
pneumonia which, because of her extreme age, she could not
overcome. She was a daughter of John and Jane Hustead,
deceased and was born in Georges township at the old Hustead
homestead on July 5, 1817, being at her death nearly 89 years
of age. For the past 12 years the deceased had lived there.
For a number of years previous to her coming here, she lived in
Morgantown and Fairmont. During the latter years of her life
she lived alone with the exception of a servant alone, with the
exception of a servant girl, until this last winter when her
niece, Mrs. Jane Downey, lived with her. Of immediate
relatives only one brother, J. M. Hustead of Fayette street,
survives. The funeral services will be held from the home at 2
o’clock Saturday afternoon with interment in the Oak Grove
cemetery.

Richard BEESON died in 1864. His obit was contributed to the Fayette County USGenWeb
Project.(17)

DIED.
BEESONAt his late residence, 182* Lacock street, Allegheny, Tuesday, April
19th, Richard Beeson; esq., formerly of this place in the 65th year of his age.
(*dark copy - could be 152)
The Genius of Liberty. Uniontown, Pa. April 21, 1864.

Anna BEGGS ( -1852)

DIED

On yesterday morning ANNA infant daughter of Ellis Y. and
Margaret Beggs, of this place.

Funeral services for David Ewing Beggs of Cleveland, former
resident of Uniontown and Dunbar, will be conducted in the
Minerd Funeral Home, 48 East Church Street at 2 p.m.
Wednesday, with Canon Bernard G. Newman, rector of St. Peter’s
Episcopal Church officiating. Burial will be in the soldiers’
section, Sylvan Heights Cemetery. LaFayette Post, No. 51,
American Legion, will conduct military rites at the grave.

Mr. Beggs died Saturday morning, February 16, 1946 in Mt.
Sinai Hospital, Cleveland. He was chef for the Clark
Restaurants of that city. A veteran of World War I, he
enlisted September 21, 1917, and was honorably discharged
September 18, 1919. He was advanced to the rank of sergeant
in Company A, 407th Service Battalion, Camp Lee, Va.

Two brothers and three sisters survive: George and William
Beggs, Uniontown; Mrs. Carrie Schurecht, Detroit; Mrs. Anna
Mahoney and Mrs. Pearl Altman, both of Greensburg. Friends are
being received in the Minerd Funeral Home.

The Morning Herald, Uniontown, PA,
Tuesday, February 19, 1946, page 2

Contributed by Diane Schoff <
terg at verizon.net>

Robert C. BEGGS
(1889-1974)

Robert Clark Beggs, 55 years old, of 435 North Gallatin
Avenue, Uniontown, died at 9:20 o’clock Sunday morning
(21 Jan 1945) at his home after a year’s illness. He was
born at Dunbar, the son of the late William J. and Mary
Belle Minerd Beggs. An automobile mechanic for years, he
operated a repair shop on Hill Street, Uniontown, prior
to entering the trucking business.

Surviving are his widow, Mrs. Anna May Beggs and these
children: Master Sergeant Richard J., somewhere in the
Pacific; William J., in Hawaii; Harry S., Merchant Marine,
and Mrs. Charles (Athea Belle) Snyder and Mrs. Charles
(Hattie Katherine) Jeffries of Cleveland, Ohio. He was a
brother of George and David Beggs of Cleveland, William J.
of Uniontown, Mrs. Harry Schurecht of Detroit and Mrs. W.R.
Mahoney and Mrs. Robert Altman of Greensburg. There are
three grandchildren.

The Daily Courier, Connellsville, PA,
January 22, 1945, page 2

Contributed by Diane Schoff <
terg at verizon.net>

Robert M. BEGGS
(1917-1925)

Robert M. Beggs aged seven years, nine months and three days,
died at the family home, rear of Iowa Street, Tuesday
evening July 14, 1925, at 5:15 o’clock following a short
illness of spinal meningitis.

He is survived by his father, two brothers and one sister.
Funeral services will be held from the family home this
Thursday afternoon at 2:30 o’clock followed by interment
at Oak Grove cemetery.

ROWAN E. BEGGS

Rowan E. Beggs, 70, of 313 Morrison Ave., Greensburg, died
suddenly Wednesday afternoon in the Westmoreland Hospital,
Greensburg. He was born in Sandy Lake march 24, 1896, a son of
the late Elmer J. and Elizabeth Hutchinson Beggs. He retired
in 1964 as a salesman for the George Worthington Co. of
Cleveland, Ohio, with 40 years’ service. He was a member of
the First Presbyterian Church of Greensburg, lake Lodge 434,
F&AM of Sandy Lake, Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite of New
Castle, the Zem Zem Temple of Erie, Tall Cedars of Lebanon, and
UCT of Greensburg. He is survived by his widow, Mrs. Helen
Mosser Beggs; a daughter, Mrs. Elizabeth B. Carson of New York,
N.Y.; four brothers, John S., Clarence and Harold, all of Sandy
Lake and Homer W. (Ph. D.) of Munhall, and two sisters, Mrs.
Earl (Mary) Osborn and Mrs. Tracy (Alice) James, both of Sandy
Lake.

Wm. D. BEGGS died in 1853. His obit was contributed to the Fayette County USGenWeb
Project.(17)

DIED
At his residence at Mt. Washington, in Wharton township, on the 28th ult., of
apoplexy, Wm. D. Beggs, Esq., aged about 60 years.
Mr. Beggs was a much esteemed man and a valuable citizen, and his decease is
lamented not only by a large connexion, but by the whole community.
The Genius of Liberty. Uniontown, Pa. Sep. 8, 1853.

William W. BEGORDAS ( -1850)

DIED

At the residence of Mr. David Brower, in this place, on Thursday the
11th instant, Mr. WM. W. BEGORDAS, formerly of Bath, Steuben county,
New York, aged 39 years.

BEIDLER—
David B. Beidler, formerly of New Haven, did at
Wellsville, Kas., on Thursday, September 1st, 1892 of typhoid
malaria, aged nearly 18 years. He had been a resident of
Kansas for several years and had been in poor health for a long
time.

The Courier, Connellsville, PA,
September 9, 1892

Contributed by Marilyn Tolentino <
SFFoster at aol.com>

Elmer A. BEISSELL (1923-1994)

Elmer A. Beissell, 70, a resident of West Mifflin and who was
born in Duquesne died Tuesday in McKeesport Hospital,
McKeesport, Pa. He is survived by a son, Dr. Robin W. Beissell
of Fairchance; two brothers, Donald Beissell of Elizabeth
Township and Richard Beissell of Monongahela; one sister, Jean
Beissell Jones of New Eagle; one granddaughter; nieces and
nephews. The family will receive friends at the William H.
Craig Funeral Home Inc., 3000 Versailles Ave., McKeesport,
today from 7 to 9 p.m., Thursday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m.,
and Friday until 11 a.m.

Social Security Death Index: Born—–June 29, 1923
Died—–May 24, 1994

Local newspaper, Fayette County, PA,
May, 1994

Contributed by Marilyn Tolentino <
SFFoster at aol.com>

Verna BEISTEL (1910-1995)

Verna F. “Peg” Brindle Beistel, 84, of 714 George St.,
Scottdale, died Wednesday. Surviving are two daughters, Judith
Ann Davis of Mount Pleasant R.D. 2 and Mrs. Terry (Nancy L.)
Workman; a son, James W. “Butch” Beistel Jr.; seven
grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren. Friends will be
received in the Frank Kapr Funeral Home Inc., Scottdale.

Social Security Death Index: Born—–May 13, 1910
Died—–April 19, 1995

Local newspaper, Fayette County, PA,
April, 1995

Contributed by Marilyn Tolentino <
SFFoster at aol.com>

Charles BELCH, Sr. (1909-2003)

Charles Belch, Sr., 93, of Edenborn, Pa., died Sunday, July 20, 2003
in his home. He was born October 7, 1909 in York Run, Pa. He was
predeceased by his parents, Eli Belch, Sr. and Wilhelmenia Soblotne
Belch. Mr. Belch worked as a machinist for Putman Tool and Dye
Company and was also a coal miner. He was a member of the Masons and
Elks. Deceased in addition to her parents are his wife Barbara Maria
Belch; two brothers, Albert Belch and Eli Behcn Jr.; five sisters,
Margaret Hanuschock, Wilhelmenia Vest, Emma Karpency, Irene Mancini
and Thelma Orlosky. He is survived by a daughter, Mrs. Charles
(Donna) Waslousky of McClellandtown; a son Mr. Charles A. Belch and
wife Georgetta of McClellandtown and a daughter Ms. Barbara Belch
Markovich of Germantown, Md.; one brother George Belch of Las Vegas,
NV. and a sister Pauline Capozzoli of Howell, MI; eight
grandchildren and eight great grandchildren.
Arrangements are private and under the direction of H. DAVID MCELROY
FUNERAL HOME, 803 Main St., McClellandtown, Pa.

Nicholas “Nick” Belch, 80, of Carmichaels, Pa., died Friday,
Nov. 1, 1996, at his home. He was born March 13, 1916, in
Shoaf, Pa., son of Michael and Diane Cavic Belch. He was a
coal miner retired from U.S. Steel’s Robena Mine and served on
The International Arbitration Board, a World War II veteran who
served in the U.S. Navy, and a member of St. George Serbian
Orthodox Church in Carmichaels, UMWA Local 6321, and American
Legion. His parents, brothers, Drajan, John, Mike, and Peter
Belch, and a sister, Dorothy Samardzia, preceded him in death.
He is survived by his wife, Sophia Pilipovich Belch; daughters:
Diane McCathy of Greensburg, Kathy Kartalija of Mechanicsville,
Md., Millie Hockin of Indiana, Pa., Patricia Bond of Cocoa,
Fla., and Carolyn Hill of Greensburg; 10 grandchildren; two
sisters and one brother: Anna Nadelkova of Beaver, Pa., George
Belch of Aliquippa, Pa., and Mildred “Mimi” Belch of Masontown,
Pa. Friends will be received in the JOHN S. MAYKUTH JR.
FUNERAL HOME, corner of Church and River avenues, Masontown,
Pa., today from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. and Monday, Nov. 4,
until 12:30 p.m. when a Prayer Service will be held followed by
Divine Liturgy at 1 p.m. in St. George Serbian Orthodox Church,
Carmichaels, with the Rev. Fr. Djokan Majstorovic as Celebrant.
Interment will follow in St. George Serbian Orthodox Cemetery
where military rite …. (balance of obit is missing)

Local newspaper, Fayette County, PA,
November, 1996

Contributed by Marilyn Tolentino <
SFFoster at aol.com>

Susanna BELCH ( -2008)

Susanna Belch, 93, of Uniontown, Fayette County, Pa., died on August
9, 2008, at the Golden Living Center, Uniontown, Pa. She was born in
Grays Landing, Fayette County, Pa., the daughter of Andrew and
Sophia Volansky. Susanna was preceded in death by her husband, Mike,
and a daughter, Paula. She is survived by her three sons: Peter and
his wife, Donna, of Hopwood, Fayette County, Pa., Michael (Mickey)
and his wife, Melanie, of Del Mar, California, and George (Joe) and
his wife, Gayle, of San Diego, Cal., Susanna also has six
grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Susanna and her husband
owned and operated Belch's Bar, in Ronco, Fayette County, Pa., for
27 years before moving to Uniontown, where they happily resided for
25 years. According to her sons, she was the consummate mother whose
main concern in life was the welfare and happiness of her family.
Abe Lincoln said that "all we are or ever hope to become we owe
mainly to our mother." This statement is most appropriate for
Susanna. A private family viewing will be held at the KEZMARSKY
FUNERAL HOME, 71 Pennsylvania Avenue, Uniontown, Pa. The Reverend
Rodney Torbic will conduct the Funeral.

Helen T. (Siercinski) Belena, 85, of Connellsville, died
Saturday, July 23, at Cherry tree Nursing Center, Uniontown.
She was born Jan. 23, 1927, in Everson, a daughter of the late
Konstanty and Sophie (Damsky) Siecinski. Prior to her
retirement, Helen worked for more than 35 years at the former
Anchor Hocking Glass Plant as a selector. She was a member of
the St. John the Evangelist Roman catholic Church,
Connellsville. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in
death by her husband, Bernard R. “Jumbo” Belena (2012), four
sisters, Constance and Clara Martinowski, Gladys Bartman and
Elizabeth Bunting, and four brothers, Herman, Anthony, Stanley
and Casimir Siecinski. She is survived by a sister, Louise
DiPasquale and her husband John, of Mt. Pleasant; brother,
Frank Siecinski of Connellsville; brother-in-law, Edward
Bunting of Levittown; sister-in-law, Eleanor Balena; nieces and
nephews, Joey Siecinski and his wife.

Local newspaper, Fayette County, PA,
July 2012

Contributed by Marilyn Tolentino <
SFFoster at aol.com>

Charlotte J. BELL (1915-1996)

Charlotte J. Rupp Bell, 81, of Mount Pleasant R.D. 2, a native
of North Dakota, died early Monday, Nov. 4, 1996, in Briarcliff
Pavilion, North Huntingdon, Pa. She is survived by her family;
two sons: Frank W. Bell and friend, Judy, and Lester E. Bell
and wife, Ronda, all of Mount Pleasant R.D. 2; six
grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; two sisters: Eileen
Rupp of Scottdale and Mrs. Sarah Shaffer of Connellsville: two
brothers: Harry Rupp and wife, Lois, of Connellsville and
Wendell Rupp and wife, Georgeann, of Mount Pleasant. Family
and friends will be received at the Robert B. Ferguson Funeral
Home, 105 Spring St., Scottdale, Pa., today from 2 to 4 and 6
to 9 p.m. and Wednesday from 10 a.m. until 1:30 p.m.

Charlotte J. Bell, 81, of Mount Pleasant, R.D. 2, passed away
early Monday Morning, Nov. 4, 1996, at Briarcliff Pavilion,
North Huntingdon. She was born May 2, 1915, in North Dakota, a
daughter of the late Harry and Lillian Rose Miller Rupp. She
was a homemaker on her family farm and was a member of the
Pennsville United Methodist Church. Mrs. Bell was also active
as a member of the Sunday School Class and the Women’s Group of
the church. She is survived by her loving family, which
includes: two sons, Frank W. Bell and friend, Judy, and Lester
E. Bell and wife, Ronda, all of Mount Pleasant, R.D. 2; six
grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren; two sisters,
Eileen Rupp of Scottdale and Mrs. Sarah Shaffer of
Connellsville; and two brothers, Harry Rupp and wife, Lois, of
Connellsville and Wendell Rupp and wife, Georgeann, of Mount
Pleasant. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in
death by her husband, Frank R. Bell, on Sept. 11, 1976; and a
brother, Wayne Rupp. Family and friends will be received at
the ROBERT B. FERGUSON FUNERAL HOME, 106 Spring St., Scottdale,
today from 2 to 4 and 6 to 9 p.m. and Wednesday from 10 a.m. to
1:30 p.m., the hour of the funeral services there, with the
Rev. Charles Neiderhiser officiating. Graveside committal
services and interment will follow in Pennsville Independent
Cemetery … (balance of obit is missing).

The Daily Courier, Connellsville, PA,
November, 1996

Contributed by Marilyn Tolentino <
SFFoster at aol.com>

Florence McClelland BELL
(1880-1961)

MRS. FLORENCE BELL

Mrs. Florence McClelland Bell, 81, of Masontown, died at 10 p.m.
Friday in Uniontown Hospital. She was a member of the Masontown
Methodist Church. Surviving are two sons, four grandchildren, one
great-grandchild, one brother, James William McClelland of
Brownsville, and a sister, Mrs. Allen Woodward of Grindstone.

Harry B. BELL died in 1937. His obit was contributed to the Fayette County USGenWeb
Project.(2)

Harry B. Bell, 59, life-long resident of Hopwood, died of a sudden heart attack
at 12:30 o'clock Tuesday morning, June 29, 1937, in Uniontown Hospital where
he was rushed at 11 o'clock Monday night for medical attention.
A lather by trade, the deceased for the last several years, had been I the employ
of A. C. Livengood, Hopwood resident and local hotelman.
Surviving are Mr. Bell's mother, Mrs. Elizabeth Bell, 85, of Hopwood, and the
following sisters: Mrs. John McCormack, Jamison; Mrs. Charles Branson,
Morgantown Road; Mrs. Lee Dennis, Juniata; Mrs. Margaret Wood and Mrs. Harry
Pore, Syracuse, N.Y.
Funeral services will be conducted at 2:30 o'clock Thursday afternoon at Johnston's
mortuary chapel. Burial will be in Hopwood cemetery. Rev. R. A. Manley
of the Christian church at Republic will conduct the services.

James BELL ( -1898)

THE DEADLY FIRE DAMPClaims Eight Victims at the Umpire Mine

OPEN LIGHTS FIRE THE GASAn Investigation by the Coroner’s Jury
Ends in Holding theMINE OFFICIALS RESPONSIBLE

A Boy Operator Shut Off the Air Current When the Explosion Occurred.

CENES OF EX-citement and death reigned at Brownsville all week.
One of the most terrible mine explosions in the history of the
Monongahela river coal operations occurred in the Umpire mine of C.
L. Snowden & Co., at 8 o’clock Friday morning. Two mine drivers,
John Bennett and
Harry Hager,
were killed instantly and six others,
Robert Davidson,
John Heiston,
Sales Heiston,
William Pritchard,
John Cartwright and
James Bell
were suffocated by the after-damp,
which destroyed the living air immediately following the explosion.
Pritchard was married and resided at West Brownsville. He leaves a
wife and seven children. The Heiston’s were brothers, and colored.
John Lived at Bridgeport and leaves a widow and two children. John
Cartwright leaves a widow and three small children, who reside in
Brownsville. The other men were single. Hager lived in Brownsville
township and Davidson in a shanty not far from the fatal mine.

The first information of the explosion came from George Lacy, John
Smith, Samuel Meese and James G. Bennett, brother of one of the men
killed. They were at work in the mine also, and as soon after the
concussion of the explosion as possible they worked their way into
the effected district and found the bodies of Bennett and Hager.
From appearances it was believed that the drivers had gone into the
entry and ignited an accumulation of gas. Open lights were used.
Both bodies were burned somewhat, and also showed the effects of the
concussion. Later the bodies of the other miners were discovered,
in their rooms, where they had succumbed to the fatal lethargy that
overtakes the senses when the oxygen has been burned out of mine
air. As usual the bodies showed that the miners had not made any
struggles. The explosion, as judged from the indications left on
the side walls and roof of the mine, was strongest at the face of
the heading, leaving the impression that the gas had been liberated
at the face of the heading and worked its way out the entry.

The party named as rescuers were working in an entry not more than
50 feet removed from the heading in which the explosion occurred,
but they were uninjured, the air current leaving them pure air.
Another group of miners, a little nearer the deadly explosion, heard
the force of the gas as it ignited, and immediately started out.
They were met by the after-damp and some wished to stop, but an
experienced miner named John Ralston urged the men not to stop and
finally the party worked its way out to safety. A large force of
men volunteered to go into the mines immediately following the
announcement that there had been an explosion, and by 11 o’clock A.
M. all the bodies had been brought out of the mine. The scenes
about the opening were heartrending. A great crowd gathered and
many were the anxious faces that crowded about mourning about the
loved ones who were known to be in the mine at the time of the
explosion, and who were awaited, dead or alive, non knew which.
When the accident occurred there were 120 men in the mine and the
anxiety did not cease till all had been found. The explosion effects
did not cover a wide territory in the mine, and after the eight
bodies had been found no more casualties were found.

Peter F. Smith, Coroner of Fayette county left Uniontown for the
seat of the disaster and arrived early upon the scene. The
officials of the United Mine Workers sent as their representative at
the mine, Frederick Dilcher, from Pittsburg. Dr. Smith empaneled a
jury consisting of E. L. Moorhouse, John A. Robinson, Henry Leonard,
William L. Lenhart, Fletcher E. Chalfant and W. M. Fisher, who
viewed the bodies Friday evening.

The Coroner’s jury conducted a lengthy and exhaustive inquest over
the remains of the victims of the disaster, and rendered the
following verdict late Wednesday night:

We find that John Bennett, John Cartwright, Harry Hagar, Robert
Davis, William Pritchard, John and Silas Helston and James Bell came
to their death by an explosion of gas in entry 10 of the Umpire mine
of Friday, the 23rd of September, 1898, between the hours of 7 and 9
A. M., and our verdict is that had the proper mine officials, whose
duty it was to remove the danger that was known to exist, fulfilled
their duty, the accident would not have happened.

During the inquest, at which Robert Brownlee, Chief of the Bureau of
Mines was present, it developed that Raymond McCune, aged 13 years,
was engaged to operate the fan, and that he had shut off the air
current when the explosion occurred. Part of the time the fan was
run by Corbin McCune, aged 14 years, the father of the boys starting
it each morning.

John T. Armstrong, formerly fire boss at the Umpire mines, but now
employed at South Fork, Pa., said, “On the morning of March 21st, I
pronounced the mine unsafe, put up ‘danger’ and told the men to stay
out. Pit Boss Underwood said there was no danger in entries 5 and 6
and told the men to go to work.”

Joyce A. Bakewell Bell, age 69, of Grindstone, died Wednesday,
June 27, 2012 at 5:49 a.m. at Uniontown Hospital, Uniontown.
Born July 5, 1942 in North Charleroi, Pa., she was the daughter
of the late John Bakewell and Janet E. Campbell-Hetherington.
Mrs. Bell was a lifelong resident of Grindstone and was retired
from Diversified Human Services where she was the Director of
the Fayette City Senior Center. She is survived by a daughter
and son-in-law, Janette and Michael Hewitt of Grindstone; two
grandchildren, Sean Bavuso and Tim Hewitt; brother and sister-
in-law, William R. and Tracey Hetherington of Grindstone;
sister, Isabelle Bateman of Grindstone and a special friend,
Jesse McDonald of Sycamore. She is preceded in death by her
step-father, John r. Hetherington and a brother-in-law, Bruce
Bateman. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the PARZYNSKI
FUNERAL HOME & CREMATIONS, Family Owned and Operated, 626 Broad
Avenue, Belle Vernon (724-929-6183). Condolences are accepted
at the funeral home’s web site, parzynskifuneralhome.com

Unto thee, O Lord,Do I lift up my soul

Lucille Bell of Brownsville, Pa., known by family and friends
as “Ms. Wootah”, passed away Wednesday, July 25, 2012, at the
age of 66 at UPMC McKeesport Hospital. Lucille was born on
July 30, 1945 in Daisytown, Pa. She was a graduate of Redstone
High School, Class of 1965. And so now God has called for
another angel. Lucille was the daughter of the late Henry
Blackford Bell and Lucile (Scott) Bell. She was preceded in
death by three sisters, Henrietta Biddings, Naomi Williams,
Mamie Mickle; and one brother, Charles Bell. Lucille was a
beloved mother and grandmother and was happiest spending time
with her family. She leaves to celebrate her life her
children: Rodney Lee Bell, Uniontown, Pa., Samuel Ray Wilson
and wife Julie Wilson of Colorado Springs, Colorado, Dara
Denise Wilbert and husband, Eric Wilbert of Republic, Pa.; her
cherished daughter, Sandy Wilson of Republic, Pa.; and eight
grandchildren: Shaun, Cody Tarvares, Darius, Lindy, Lucinda,
Len, and Sumer; Siblings: Sara Williams, Edna Williams,
Juanita McKnight, Linda Jackson, Judith Brice, Virgil Bell all
of Harrisburg, Pa., Sylvester Bell of Pittsburgh, Pa., Henry
Bell of Brownsville, Pa., and Kathleen Bell Spence and her
husband Robert Spence of Hiller, Pa.; as well as a host of
nieces and nephews. Her unconditional love and wisdom will
greatly be missed! Friends will be received at the LANTZ
FUNERAL HOME INC., 297 East Main Street, Uniontown, PA 15401
today (Sunday, July 29) at 12 Noon for Memorial Services with
the Reverend Robert Spence Jr. officiating.

MRS. MARY BELL

Mrs. Mary Bell, widow of Michael Bell, died at 4:30 o’clock
Friday afternoon at her home on the Leisenring No. 1 road at
Rogerstown near the Greek Catholic Church. She had been a
resident of that neighborhood for more than 50 years. She
became ill about a year ago. Preceded in death by her husband
14 years ago, she is survived by one son, Thomas Bell at home;
five grandchildren and the following brothers and sisters:
Mrs. Felix McClosky and Mrs. C. W. Rief of Uniontown, John
Cassidy of Collier, Thomas Cassidy and Frank Cassidy of
Filbert, Mrs. Elizabeth Neebling of Wilkinsburg and Mrs. Anna
Tate of Masontown. She was a member of St. Vincent DePaul
Church of Leisenring No. 1 and its Altar and Rosary Society.
The Altar and Rosary Society will meet at 8 o’clock Sunday
night at the Bell home to recite the rosary. The funeral will
be held Tuesday morning with a prayer at the home at 8:30
o’clock and requiem high mass at St. Vincent DePaul Church at 9
o’clock. Rev. C. H. Becker, pastor, will officiate. Interment
will be made in the church cemetery.

Michael Bell Dies;Victim Of Auto Wreck

Michael Bell, 43 years old, of Dunbar, died at 5:15 o’clock
this morning at Connellsville State Hospital where he had been
admitted July 20 after being involved in an automobile accident
in which three other men were injured. Bell, who suffered a
probably fracture of the right leg, appeared to be recovering
from his injuries when his condition suddenly took a turn for
the worse. He was one of four men hurt at Dunbar in a collision
of two sedan automobiles. William Callahan, 23, and James
Daugherty, 24, both of Dunbar, and Arthur E. Rechenberg, 48, of
McKeesport, were others in the crash which caused approximately
$250 damage to each car, State Motor Police reported at the
time. Bells body was removed to the James T. Burhans funeral
parlors where it was prepared for burial. Bell, who was
employed at the Pennsylvania Wire Glass Company plant as a
motorman in the casting hall, is survived by his wife, Mrs.
Sylvia Bellone Bell, and, the following children: Vincent,
Lucy, Leonard, Anna Theresa, Connie, Raymond, Rose Mary and
Michael, Jr. He also leaves his parents, Mr. and Mrs. James
Bell, and these sisters: Mrs. Joseph DiMarco, Mrs. Angeline
DiMarco, Mrs. Louis Manzola and Mrs. Joseph Manzola, all of
Dunbar. Bell, whose family name is DiBiase, had been a resident
of Dunbar for the past 27 years.

BELL FUNERAL

Funeral services for Michael (Blase) Bell, of Dunbar, who
succumbed Saturday morning, August 12, 1939, in Connellsville
hospital to injuries suffered in an auto accident July 20, will
be held at 9 o'clock Wednesday morning in St. Aloysius church,
Dunbar. Rev. Fr. Hurley will be celebrant and burial will
follow in Franklin cemetery. Surviving are the widow, Sylvia
Bell, and the following children, Vincent, Lucille, Anna
Theresa, Connie, Raymond, Rose Marie, and Michael, Jr.; his
father, James Bell, of Dunbar, and four sisters, Mrs. Joseph
and Mrs. Angeline DeMarco and Mrs. Louis and Mrs. Joseph
Mazola, Dunbar. Bell was employed for 27 years by the
Pennsylvania Wire Glass Company, Dunbar.

MICHAEL T. BELLDIES AT LEISENRING;VETERAN FRICK MAN

Michael Thomas Bell, veteran employee of the H. C. Frick Coke
Company, died at 4:15 o’clock this morning at his home at
Leisenring No. 1 from complications. He had been working at
Grindstone until Wednesday. That night he became ill and never
recovered. Mr. Bell was born in Ontario, Canada, the son of
the late Mr. and Mrs. John Bell. He had been residing in the
vicinity of Leisenring No. 1. His wife, Mrs. Mary Bell, on
son, Thomas M. Bell at home, one sister, Mrs. Sue King of
Pittsburg, one brother, Frank Bell of Pittsburg and one
grandchild, survive. The funeral will be held Wednesday
morning. The cortege will meet at the late home at 5:30
o’clock. Requiem high mass will be celebrated at 6 o’clock at
the St. Vincent de Paul Church at Leisenring No. 1 with Rev.
Father E.O. Planitzer, pastor, officiating. Interment will be
made in the family plot in the church cemetery.

William BELL died in 1941. His obit was contributed to the Fayette County USGenWeb
Project.

TMH- 2/5/1941- Services for William BELL, aged 51, of 217 North Gallatin Avenue,
Uniontown, Pa., who died Saturday after a lingering illness, will be held at
11 o'clock this morning in the chapel of the Johnston Mortuary. Rev. David HUNTER
will officiate. Burial will follow in Park Place Cemetery, Uniontown, Pa.

Margaret BELLAY
(1913-2001)

Margaret Bellay, 88, of Uniontown, Pa., died Tuesday, February
6, 2001, in the Beverly Health Care Center. She was born
January 16, 1913, in Uniontown, Pa., a daughter of the late
Daniel and Mary (Baluch) Bellay. In addition to her parents,
she was preceded in death by three sisters, Anna Stronko, Mary
Galderise and Julia Adams. Margaret was a member of St. John
the Baptist Byzantine Church, and was a graduate of Uniontown
High School. She is survived by numerous loving nieces and
nephews and great-nieces and nephews. Friends will be received
in the HAKY FUNERAL HOMES INC., 139 West Fayette St.,
Uniontown, today from 7 to 9 p.m., on Friday from 2 to 4 and 7
to 9 p.m., and on Saturday, Feb. 10, 2001, until 10 a.m., when
a Panachida Service will be held, followed by Divine Liturgy
at 10:30 a.m., in St. John the Baptist Byzantine Church, with
the Rev. Fr., Mike Wytish as celebrant. Interment will follow
in St. John Byzantine Cemetery, Hopwood. A Parastas Service
will be held on Friday at 7:30 p.m.

Robert "Bob" James Bellay, 72, of Uniontown, Fayette County,
Pa., for the past 10 yrs., formerly of Sell Street, died
unexpectedly November 11, 2007 at Uniontown Hospital. He was
born on July 23, 1935, in Johnstown, Pa., the son of Paul and
Anna Buchosky Bellay. Preceded in death by parents, and
brother, Paul Bellay. Survived by wife, the former Patsy Ann
(Altimore) Cekella; and these children, Larry G. Cekella, Jr.,
married to Jody(Hunter), of Spring, Texas; Cathy Ann, wife of
Kenneth Densmore, of Uniontown, Pa.; Carrie Lynne, wife of
Richard Callahan, of Dublin, Virginia; and Timothy J. Bellay,
of Redondo Beach, California; and these grandchildren: Raymond
and Lynsey Callahan, Ashley and Larry, III, Cekella and Emily
Densmore. Also survived by sisters, Anna Mae Bellay and
Dorothy O'Brien, and sister-in-law, Carolyn Bellay, and
special pet, Landon. Death ends a 42 year marriage union. He
was a 1955 graduate of Johnstown High School. He retired from
Bethlehem Steel with 32 yrs. service, and was an Army veteran
of the Korean Conflict. Arrangements has been entrusted with
FRANK DUCA FUNERAL HOME WESTMONT CHAPEL, 1622 Menoher Blvd.,
Johnstown, Pa. Funeral Service will be held at 11 a.m.,
today, November 16, 2007, in Holy Cross Lutheran Church with
the Rev. Jerome Panzigrau. Interment St. Anthony Cemetery
with military honors by Conemaugh Valley Detachment Marine
Corps League.

Ida L. Bellis, 77, of Bobtown died Sunday in Greene County
Memorial Hospital, Waynesburg. Arrangements are incomplete and
will be announced by the Richard R. Herod Funeral Home, 501
Morgantown St., Point Marion.

MRS. MARY BELLISH

Mrs. Mary Bellish, 74, died Thursday morning at Uniontown
Hospital. She was a resident of Edenborn for the past 42
years. Surviving are three sons, Peter at home and John and
Andrew of Edenborn; three daughters, Mrs. Mary Sansone of
Uniontown, Mrs. Anna Coppa of Brooklyn, N.Y. and Mrs. Richard
Tate of Edenborn; one sister, Mrs. Elizabeth Hovanic of Mount
Olive, Ill., and 11 grandchildren. Brief rites will be held at
9 o’clock Saturday morning at the home followed by Requiem High
Mass in St. Mary’s R.C. Church, New Salem. Burial will be made
in the church cemetery at Leckrone.

Mary K. “Bubba” Kresovich Bellish, 87, of Clarksville R.D. 1
died Friday morning. She is survived by four daughters, Sylvia
Tefft of Radcliffe, Ky., Mildred Kraus of Glenshaw, Dora
Zimmerman of Gibsonia and Dorothy Koratich of Waynesburg; one
son, George Bellish Jr. of Mather; 20 grandchildren; 25 great-
grandchildren; seven great-great-grandchildren; and one
brother, Michael Kresovich of West Hurley, N.Y. The family
will receive friends today from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. and
Monday until 11 a.m. in the Behm Funeral Home Inc., Route 188,
Jefferson.

Social Security Death Index: Born—–July 3, 1907
Died—–March 13, 1995

The Daily Courier, Connellsville, PA,
March, 1995

Contributed by Marilyn Tolentino <
SFFoster at aol.com>

Helen A. Pervoy BELLITTO (1915-1995)

HELEN A. BELLITTO

Helen A. Pervoy Bellitto, 79, of 1345 Emmett St., Niles, Ohio,
formerly of Everson, died Tuesday, Sept. 19, 1995, in St.
Elizabeth Hospital Medical Center, Niles, Ohio. She was born
in Everson, on Oct. 24, 1915, a daughter of the late Martin and
Mary Komar Pervoy. She was a member of St. Stephen RC Church,
Niles, Ohio, and the Women of the Moose, Niles, Ohio. She is
survived by a daughter, Mrs. Richard (Patricia) Robinson of
Shrewsbury, Mass.; a son, Fred Bellitto, with whom she resided;
five grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; three sisters,
Mrs. Emma Bugosh of Scottdale; Mrs. Phillip (Betty) Colombo of
New York; and Mrs. Thomas (Irene) Hall of California. In
addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her husband,
Patty N. Bellitto, on Nov. 21, 1987; three sisters, Margaret
Dorchock, Rose Smith and Catherine Kennedy; and two brothers,
John and Paul Pervoy. A funeral Mass was celebrated Friday,
Sept. 22, 1995, in St. Stephen RC Church, Niles, Ohio.
Interment followed in Pineview Cemetery, Niles, Ohio.

Local newspaper, Fayette County, PA,
September, 1995

Contributed by Marilyn Tolentino <
SFFoster at aol.com>

Paul J. BELLUS (1945-1995)

Paul J. Bellus, 50, of Levittown, formerly of Uniontown, died
Tuesday, July 11, 1995. He is survived by his wife, Anne
(Kruper) Bellus; children, Cynthia McCarthy of Langhorne and
Paul J. Bellus, Jr., of Hulmeville; stepchildren, Linda Phipps
of Morrisville and Brian Jablonski of Warrington; four
grandchildren; five sisters, Mary Bigam of Langhorne, Ester
Campbell of Illinois, Eleanor Kuhns of West Virginia, Margaret
Davis of Michigan and Francine Adams of Ohio; and three
brothers, Eugene Bellus of Oley, Pa., William Bellus of
Maryland and John Bellus of Florida. Family and friends are
being received Friday evening from 7 to 9 p.m., in the James J.
Dougherty Funeral Home Inc., 2200 Trenton Rd., Levittown, Pa.

Social Security Death Index: Born—–June 30, 1945
Died—–July 11, 1995

The Daily Courier, Connellsville, PA,
July, 1995

Contributed by Marilyn Tolentino <
SFFoster at aol.com>

Betty BELMONT (1924-1995)

Betty Brothers Belmont, 71 Of R.D. 4, Mount Pleasant
(Hammondville), died Sunday, April 9, 1995, in Frick Hospital
and Community Health Center, Mount Pleasant. She was born Feb.
10, 1924, at Hammondville, a daughter of the late Charles and
Nellie McGregor Brothers. She was a member of the American
Legion Ladies Auxiliary in Ephrata, Pa., a member of the
Highlands Hospital Auxiliary, the Bullskin Senior Citizens, the
Faithful Workers Class of Bridgeport, and a member of the
Bridgeport United Methodist Church. She is survived by a son,
Charles (Butch) Brothers of Scottdale; one daughter, Mrs.
Richard (Joy) Doss of Connellsville; five grandchildren; two
great-grandchildren; and a brother, Walter Brothers of
Scottdale. In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by
two brothers, Charles and Ernest Brothers, and a sister, Mary
Yothers. Friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m.
today in the BROOKS FUNERAL HOME INC., 406 E. Washington St.,
Mount Pleasant, where services will be held at 11 a.m.
Wednesday with Pastor John Higgins officiating. Interment will
follow in the Mount Pleasant Cemetery.

Local newspaper, Fayette County, PA,
April, 1995

Contributed by Marilyn Tolentino <
SFFoster at aol.com>

Steve BELOVICH, Jr. (1915-1993)

Steve Belovich, Jr., 77, of Denbo Heights, died Tuesday, June
22, 1993, at his home. He was born Nov. 11, 1915, in Red Hill,
he was the son of the late Steve and Barbara Carr Belovich Sr.
he was a member of the Croation Club, West Brownsville, Victory
Club, Denbo and UMWA Local 782. He is survived by his wife,
Helen Phillipson Belovich; these children, Joyce Sargent of
Leesburg, Fla., Steve Belovich III of Vesta #7, Charlotte Danko
of Vesta #7, Karen Magdaleno of Atlanta, Ga., and Debbie
Belovich of Harrisburg; ten grandchildren; eight great-
grandchildren; three sisters, Mary Henck of Morgantown, W.Va.,
Kathryn Belovich of Denbo Heights, Barbara Belovich of Denbo
Heights, Anna Sikora of Denbo, Madaline Flagle of McKeesport,
Virginia Kuchta of Pittsburgh; and a brother, John Belovich of
Gary, Ind. He was predeceased by a brother, Frank; and a
sister, Josephine Lesnick. Friends will be received in the
ANDREW J. SKIRPAN FUNERAL HOME, 135 Park St., Brownsville,
today from 2 to 9 p.m. Service will be held on Thursday at 11
a.m., with Rev. Rohland O’Brien officiating. Interment in
Westland Cemetery.

Local newspaper, Fayette County, PA,
June, 1993

Contributed by Marilyn Tolentino <
SFFoster at aol.com>

Arnold W. BELT (1952-2012)

UNIONTOWNArnold W. “Arnie” Belt

Arnold W. “Arnie” Belt, age 60 of Uniontown, Pa. passed away at
home with family by his side on Monday, September 3, 2012.
Arnie was born January 2, 1952 in Uniontown, Pa. to the late
Henry Jordan and Mable E. Belt. Arnie or “Bop” as he was
affectionately known by friends, was a graduate of Uniontown
High School where he was a standout basketball player. He went
on to play at Penn State and was an East End basketball court
legend. In addition to his parents he was predeceased by a
son, Jason Truninger. He is survived by his sons, David Hart
of Cleveland, Ohio and Corey Belt of Uniontown; his sister,
Mary Jane Belt Cooper of Uniontown and a host of grandchildren,
nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends. Friends
will be received at the LANTZ FUNERAL HOME, 297 E. Main St.,
Uniontown, Pa. Friday September 7 from 4 to 8 p.m. where
services will be held Saturday, September 8 at 11 a.m.
Interment will follow immediately in the Sylvan Heights
Cemetery in Uniontown. An hour of reflections by family and
friends will take place on Friday at 7 p.m.

Esther M. (Karaffa) Bena, 70, of Uniontown, died Wednesday, Oct. 11, 2000,
in the Beverly Health Care Center, Uniontown. She was born March 24, 1930,
in Leisenring, a daughter of Peter and Anna (Uhal) Karaffa of Leisenring.
She was preceded in death by her father and her husband, Paul S. Bena,
on July 12, 1977. Mrs. Bena was a member of St. Mary (Nativity) Roman
Catholic Church of Uniontown. In addition to her mother, she is survived
by two children, Paula M. and husband, Dr. Michael P. George, of Uniontown
and Pamela A. Bena of Pittsburgh; a granddaughter, Kendall M. George; a
brother, Donald Karaffa and wife, Mary, of Florida; and two sisters, Theresa
and Elizabeth Karaffa, both of Leisenring. Friends will be received in the
HAKY FUNERAL HOME INC., 139 W. Fayette St., Uniontown, today from 2 to 4
and 7 to 9 p.m. and Saturday until 10:30 a.m. when a blessing service
will be held, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. in St.
Mary (Nativity) R.C. Church. Interment will follow in St. Mary Cemetery.
Parish wake service at 8 p.m. today.

The Daily Courier, Connellsville, PA,
October, 2000

Contributed by Marilyn Tolentino <
SFFoster at aol.com>

Margaret BENCI (1924-1995)

Margaret Benci, 70, of Carmichaels and a native of
Fredericktown died Monday morning in Greene County Memorial
Hospital, Waynesburg. She is survived by two sons, Steven C.
Barry of Cleveland, Ohio, and Larry W. Barry of Des Moines,
Iowa; four grandsons; one granddaughter; three brothers, George
Benci of Lake Havasau, Ariz., Charles Benci of Brunswick, Ohio,
and Michael Benci of Las Vegas, Nev.; two sisters, Mrs. Helena
McClay of Reno, Nev., and Mrs. Gans (Tracy Martha) Rumble of
Fredericktown; and several nieces and nephews. Friends will be
received at the Yoskovich Funeral Home, 300 South Vine St.,
Route 88, Carmichaels, on Wednesday from 7 to 9 p.m. and
Thursday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Friday hours will be
announced.

JOSEPH R. BENDIK

Joseph R. Bendik, 59, of Perryopolis died in his home Friday,
March 31, 1995. He was born Oct. 30, 1935, in Perryopolis,
Pa., son of the late John and Sophia Sofranko Bendik. Mr.
Bendik was a member of St. John’s R.C. Church in Perryopolis
and the basketball coach for St. John’s Elementary School. He
is survived by his wife, Virginia Bendik; three sons, Joseph R.
Bendik of New York, N.Y., Gary E. Bendik of Westlake, Ohio, and
John S. Bendik of New York, N.Y.; a granddaughter, Isabela
Bendik of New York, N.Y.; and three sisters, Mrs. Sophie Grib,
Mrs. Louis (Ann) Swiantek, and Mrs. Margaret Pollock all of
Perryopolis. Friends will be received in the BLAIR-LOWTHER
FUNERAL HOME INC., Perryopo9lis, today and Monday from 2 to 4
and 7 to 9 p.m. where a prayer service will be held Tuesday,
April 4, at 9:30 a.m. followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at
10 a.m. in St. John’s R. C. Church, Perryopolis. A Wake
Service will be held in the Funeral Home Monday evening at 8
p.m.

Local newspaper, Fayette County, PA,
Monday, April 3, 1995

Contributed by Marilyn Tolentino <
SFFoster at aol.com>

Jasper BENDEKOVICH (1891-1976)

BENDEKOVICH, JASPER—
Age 86 years of R.D. 1, Adah, Pa., died
Monday, March 29, 1976, in the Uniontown Hospital. He was born
in Zaghreg, Yugoslavia, on January 6, 1891 the son of the late
Joseph and Catherine Ziegler Bendekovich. He was a member of
St. Mary’s R.C. Church of Leckrone and the UMWA. He was
preceded in death by his wife, Anna in 1963. Surviving are the
following children, Mrs. John (Catherine) Oris of Uniontown,
Mrs. Jesse (Ann) McDowell Jr. of Hopwood, Mrs. Herman (Mary)
Pensyl of Latrobe, Mrs. Jerry (Barbara) Gilford of Erie, Joseph
Bendekovich of Cleveland, Ohio, Mrs. Charles (Theresa) Murray
of Cumberland, Md., Michael Bendekovich of Phoenix, Ariz., Mrs.
Albert (Frances) Margelin of Greensburg, Mrs. Charles (Rose)
Roberts of Columbus, Pa., Mrs. Thomas (Mildred) Fooks of the
State of Connecticut, Mrs. Joseph (Josephine) Wimkoski, of
Erie, Anthony Bendekovich of Terre Haute, Ind., Mrs. Roy
(Velma) Thompson of Lima, Ohio; thirty-seven grandchildren and
twenty-seven great-grandchildren; a sister, Mrs. Sophia Slulak
of Zaghreg, Yugoslavia; a niece, Agnes Pourzcole at home.
Friends will be received in the Haky Funeral Home, 139 W.
Fayette St., today and Wednesday from 2 to 5 and 7 to 9 p.m.
and Thursday until 9 a.m. where a prayer service will be held
followed by Mass of Christian burial in St. Mary’s R.C. Church
of Uniontown with Rev. Fr. Stan Walczak as celebrant.
Interment in St. Mary’s Cemetery. Parish Rosary will be held
on Wednesday at 7:30 p.m.

Ora Belle Bender, 85, of Connellsville, died Wednesday at
Fayette Health Care Center, Uniontown. She is survived by one
daughter, Mrs. Clair W. Lois Brooks of Connellsville R.D. 1;
two sons, Robert J. Bender of Ashland, Ky., and Rev. David L.
Bender of Omaha, Neb.; several grandchildren; several great-
grandchildren; and seven great-great-grandchildren. Friends
will be received in the Vito C. Martucci Funeral Home, 123 S.
First St., West Side, Connellsville, from noon to 9 p.m. today
and from 9 to 10 a.m. Saturday.

Social Security Death Index: Born—–May 15, 1909
Died—–March 29, 1995

Local newspaper, Fayette County, PA,
March, 1995

Contributed by Marilyn Tolentino <
SFFoster at aol.com>

Pvt. Roy BENDER ( -1918)

MEN OF CONNELLSVILLE WHO DIED IN THE SERVICE OF THEIR COUNTRY
SIXTEEN YIELD THEIR LIVES ON FIELD OF BATTLE
ELEVEN OTHERS ARE CARRIED OFF BY DISEASE

So far as the records show, 28 men of Connellsville gave up their
lives during the war. Thirteen were killed in action, three died of
wounds, 11 from disease and one by accident.

THERESA A. BENDISHAW

Theresa Anastacia Verban Bendishaw, 82, of Beeson Works,
Uniontown, Pa., passed away Wednesday, Oct. 10, 2001, in the
LaFayette Manor Nursing Facility. She was born Oct. 21, 1918,
in Dunlap, Pa., the daughter of the late Isadore Verban and
Agnes Horvat Verban. In addition to her parents, she was
preceded in death by an infant brother, Vincent; sisters, Mary
Sperko, Rose Gerber, Agnes Billy and Anna Seese; and her
grandson, John William. Theresa was a member of St. John the
Evangelist Roman Catholic Church and was a longtime volunteer
of the Red Cross. “She will be remembered for her love of
children and because she was a person who always willing to
help anyone.” Surviving are her children: Patricia Riggin of
Smock, Pa., John William Bendishaw and wife, Robin of
Uniontown, and James Edward Bendishaw and wife, Pam of Hopwood,
and Rosemary Bendishaw of Hopwood; 16 grandchildren; 15 great-
grandchildren; a sister, Cecelia Rankin of Waltersburg, Pa.;
and several nieces and nephews. Friends will be received in
the STEPHEN E. KEZMARSKY III FUNERAL HOME, at 71 Pennsylvania
Ave., Uniontown, Pa., today from noon to 7 p.m., and on
Saturday, Oct. 13, until 8:30 a.m., when a blessing service
will be held. A Mass of Christian burial will follow at 9
a.m., in St. John the Evangelist R.C. Church, Jefferson Street,
Uniontown, Pa., with the Rev. Fr. William J. Kiel as celebrant.
Interment will follow in LaFayette Memorial Cemetery, Brier
Hill, Pa. A Parish Wake Service will be held today at 3 p.m.

Local newspaper, Fayette County, PA,
Friday, October 12, 2001

Contributed by Marilyn Tolentino <
SFFoster at aol.com>

Michael BENE ( -1903)

Newpaper image is poor quality. Transcription may not be exact.

DEATH CAME FROM OLD HILL FARMAND GARNERED A GHASTLY HARVEST

Twelve Killed, Eight Injured and One Missing as a
Result of Explosion at Ferguson

GAS IN THE WORKINGS SET OFF BY OLD FIRE

Which Has Raged in the Hill Farm Mine for the Past Thirteen
Years—Rescue Party Searching Passages for Missing Man
Details of the Disaster and Statements of Officials—Funeral
Arrangements Being Made Today

Death, that thirteen years ago stalked in Hill Farm mine and
claimed the lives of 31 men, came in a flash of fire to the
Ferguson slope, near Dunbar, on Saturday evening at 6:30
o’clock, and smote down the 21 miners who were working there.
Ten lives were snuffed out by the explosion and the deadly
after-damp that followed, and the grim destroyer has probably
not yet finished his gruesome tally. Two victims have since
died at the Cottage State Hospital and others are lingering
between life and death. One man is missing and there is now
no hope of his being alive. The Ferguson disaster comes as a
sad memento to the Hill Farm horror of 13 years ago, for the
statements of the mine experts show that the shouldering Hill
Farm fire probably fired a body of gas in the old working at
Ferguson. These are the dead, missing and injured.

THE DEAD

James McGurk,
22 years old, son of Fire Boss, John McGurk.
Wheatly Foster,
21 years old and single.
Mike Samandre,
married, wife and family in the old county.
Joseph Ocklan,
27 years old and single.
Peter Sekora,
32 years old and married, wife and three children.
John Sedravia,
39 years old, has wife and family in the old county.
Charles Vera,
42 years old, has wife and family in the old county.
Mike Sekora,
22 years old and single.
Andy Kootsar,
38 years old and married, leaves wife and three children.
Mike Havarsjack,
24 years old, leaves wife and family in the
old country.
Rijack Baleslaf,
died at the Cottage State Hospital Sunday
afternoon, 28 years old and single.
William Foster,
aged 48 years, died at the Cottage State Hospital this
morning. Remains will be sent to his home near Dunbar.

THE MISSING

Michael Bene, a Slav

THE INJURED

John McGurk,
39 years old, wife and five children, thought to
have been fatally burned, cannot recover.
John Foster,
19 years old, serious burns about the body and
face in a dangerous condition, will not recover.
Adam Linka, fatal burns, cannot recover.
Joseph Doviac, seriously burned about the body and face,
condition considered serious.
John Patrick, badly burned, will recover.
John Marchich, severely burned about body and face.
John Korchusch, seriously burned.
Fred Longden, slightly burned.

The explosion occurred 10 minutes after the night shift had
gone into the slope on Saturday evening. Because the mine is
almost worked out only 21 men were employed in it. The work
was 1100 feet from the mouth of the slope. The men were
working in the entries near the main heading drawing ribs and
letting down the roof. In about six months the mine would
have been closed up. The miners had gone to their accustomed
places and were just beginning the labors of the night when
with a rush and uproar the blue flame of death swept up the
slope entries and enveloped them. Some were hurled along the
passages and crushed against the side of the mine. Others not
in the direct path of the flame were overcome by the deadly
black damp which followed the explosion.

O’Toole, the engineer at the main house saw the smoke and dust
roll out of the mouth of the slope and knew that an explosion
had happened. He tied down his work whistle and its shrill
wail carried the news of terror over the countryside. Then
John McGurk staggered out shrieking for help. In a few
minutes the mouth of the slope was crowded with miners and a
rescue party hastily formed. Headed by Robert Nelson, brave
miners went into the place of death and assisted the injured
to the outside. The dead were brought out with them.

Morgue and Hospital

Morgue and hospital were combined for the time being in the
little black smith shop outside the mine. Here Drs. McKinney,
Colley and Warne of Dunbar were called and gave the survivors
first aid. The burned men were swashed in oiled cloths, and
prepared to be sent to the Cottage State Hospital here. Three
of them, however, preferred to be taken to their homes. Among
these was Fire Boss John McGurk, who is badly injured.

The Pittsburg, McKeesport & Connellsville railway supplied a
special car to bring the injured to the hospital, and the car
made a record run over the road. The entire staff of the
hospital was summoned, and as soon as the seven injured
arrived they were given the best attention that the medical
profession can offer. Sunday afternoon, however, Rijack
Beleslaf, a Polishman, died, and after midnight this morning
William Foster breathed his last. More deaths are expected at
the hospital almost any time.

Up at the improvised morgue, Undertaker J. M. Burhans of
Dunbar assisted by D. C. Fortz, cleaned up the bodies, and
prepared them for burial. One by one they were dressed and
laid on slabs on the floor of the shop. Almost all this work
was done Saturday night.

Identifying the Dead

With the dawning of day, Sunday, crowds began to gather at the
Ferguson mine. The idly curious mingled with the heart broken
friends and relatives of the dead. Rapidly the work of
identification went on. The names of the men who were first
identified by their numbers were secured at the office of the
Dunbar Furnace Company and the bodies labeled and numbered.
All day long crowds thronged the scene of death. Canvas was
hung up on the blacksmith shop windows to keep away the
morbidly curious. Shortly before noon Sunday, Robert Nelson
and a rescue party went in to search for the missing man,
Michael Bene. Outside at the manway, a crown waited for
tidings of him. When the rescue party came out in the evening
however he had not been found. Something that looked like his
coat had been found in one of the passages.

This morning a party in charge of James Conroy and James
Palsley again entered the mine. They are making a thorough
search and expect to bring the body of Bene out with them.
The mine is not on fire and no further danger is anticipated
for the present.

This morning, Dr. McKinney of Dunbar, reports the condition of
John McGurk somewhat improved. He had bad burns but his
physician hopes that he has not inhaled the fire and thinks he
has considerable chance for life. The condition of the two
foreigners who are at their homes are somewhat improved.

JOHN M’GURK DEAD

Eighteenth Victim of Ferguson Disaster
Expired Last Night

John McGurk, night fire boss in the ill-fated Ferguson mine,
who was badly burned in the explosion there November 21, died
at his home in Dunbar Monday night. McGurk had almost
recovered from his burns, and was getting along nicely, when a
sudden attack of pneumonia ended his life. His serious
illness began on Sunday. Monday, Dr. H. J. Coll was called in
consultation with Dr. W. T. McKinney who has had the case in
church. The pneumonia was so malignant; however, that nothing
could be done to save McGurk’s life.

This makes 18 fatalities from the fatal explosion, counting in
the missing man, Michael Bene, who is now certainly supposed
to have been killed by the explosion, but whose body has not
yet been recovered. McGurk, who was 42 years old, leaves a
wife and four children. His oldest son, James, was killed in
the explosion. The funeral will be held at the home in Dunbar
at 9:30 o’clock Thursday morning, and at the Dunbar Catholic
Church at 10 o’clock, when high mass of requiem will be
celebrated. Interment will be made in the Dunbar Catholic
Cemetery. The remains were prepared for burial today by
Undertaker M. L. Stader.

BENEDICT, ELIZABETH GULASH,
70, of 2883 W. Liberty Ave.,
Pittsburgh, Pa., formerly of Brownsville, died Sunday, December
29, 1974 at 10 p.m. in Mercy Hospital, Pittsburgh. Born in
Brownsville, she was a daughter of Elizabeth Gulash and the
late John Gulash. She was a member of the Presbyterian Church,
and was predeceased by her husband, Silvio (Steve) Benedict and
one son, Ronald, in 1968. Surviving are her mother, Elizabeth
Gulash of Uniontown; one sister, Mrs. Mary Davic of Pittsburgh;
one brother, Frank of Houston, Texas; several nieces and
nephews. She was predeceased by three brothers, John, Michael,
and Joseph. Friends will be received in the Homer L. Crawford
Funeral Home, 126 Front St., Brownsville, today from 7 to 9
p.m., Wednesday from 2 to 5 and 7 to 9 p.m., and Thursday until
1 p.m., the hour of service, with Rev. John H. Weaver
officiating. Interment will be in LaFayette Memorial Park,
Brier Hill.

Pearl E. Benedict, 98, of Mount Pleasant, died Thursday, May 9,
2002, in the Harmon House, Mount Pleasant. She was born July 23,
1903, in Wheeler, a daughter of the late Crist and Elsie Shupe
Carnes. Mrs. Benedict was a resident of Mount Pleasant for most
of her life, and she resided at Harmon House for the past three
and one-half years. She was a member of St. Pius X Roman Catholic
Church, Mount Pleasant, and Our Lady of Mount Carmel Society.
She was also a longtime member of the Sons of Italy and Assunta
Club Ladies Auxiliary.

In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her husband,
Pete "Punk" Benedict; a daughter, Elsie Biller; a son-in-law, Leo
"Corky" Biller; a son, Christopher Benedict; a daughter-in-law,
Joanne Benedict; two grandsons, John Lobingier and Jimmy Biller;
a great-grandson, Justin Benedict; and two sisters, Margaret
Bridges and Dolly Yeskey.

She is survived by six children, Madalyn Kantorik of Mount
Pleasant, Philip "Bud" Benedict and his wife, Ethel, of Mount
Pleasant, John "Jack" Benedict and his wife, Fay, of Swissvale,
Pete Benedict Jr. of Prittstown, Pearl Ann Shumar and her husband,
Richard, of Mount Pleasant and Christine "Tina" Kachmarek of Mount
Pleasant; 51 grandchildren; 46 great-grandchildren; and 14
great-great-grandchildren.

Friends will be received from 2 to 9 p.m. Saturday and Sunday
in the BROOKS FUNERAL HOME INC., 406 E. Washington St., Mount
Pleasant, where a blessing service will be held Monday at 9:30
a.m., followed by a funeral Mass at 10 a.m. in St. Pius X RC
Church, Mount Pleasant, with the Rev. Michael Matusak as
celebrant. Interment will follow in Green Ridge Memorial
Park, Pennsville. The Our Lady of Mount Carmel Society will recite
the rosary at 4 p.m. Saturday in the funeral home.

Tragedy struck in a Dunbar township home late Friday afternoon
when a 26-year-old Negro mother of three children died as the
result of a shotgun blast fired by her husband. Deputy Coroner
F. Todd Burhans said the victim was Mrs. Finner Marie Benford of
Brown row. State Police are holding her husband, James Benford,
32, on a charge of murder. The killing happened at 4:15 o’clock.
There were no eye-witnesses to the tragedy, Mrs. Benford being
felled by the blast just outside of the couple’s home. It is a
double-house, the other side being occupied by Mr. and Mrs. James
McCargo. Mrs. Nellie Wilis, a boarder in the McCargo home,
notified Connellsville police of the homicide. She used the
phone of a nearby unidentified neighbor. City officers immediately
informed State Police. Benford is reported to have been waiting
for police inside the house and surrendered without a struggle.
The weapon was at his side.

In a preliminary statement to State officers, he is reported to
have said that he and his wife had a quarrel over the gun. The
couple’s children, James, Jr., four, Marvin, three and Regina,
two, were in the house at the time of the murder. One said: “Mommy
and Daddy had an argument. Mommy went out of the house.” The
victim has left the yard in front of her home and was entering
the gate of the McCargo property when felled by the blast from
the rear.

Deputy Coroner Burhans said a 12-gauge “pump-type” shotgun was
used by Benford. Mrs. Benford is believed to have been expecting
a fourth child. Her husband is employed as a coke yard worker.
State Police said the victim took the gun with her when she fled
the house. Benford overtook her and they struggled for the piece.
While they struggled a shot was fired into the air. The Benford
family resided with an uncle, B. J. Brown. The victim is survived
by her children, husband, and mother, Mrs. Izetta Mack of Miami,
Fla., and a sister, Adel.

The funeral service for Mrs. Finner Marie Benford, who died
Friday will be held at the home in Brown Row in Dunbar township
at 1:30 o'clock Thursday afternoon, with Rev. F.W. Wilks, pastor
of the Payne A. M. E Church officiating. The body will be taken
to the home Wednesday morning. Internment will be at a later
date in Franklin Cemetery.

UNIONTOWN, Mar. 16 —Adjudged guilty of murder in
the second degree, James A. Benford, 31, colored, of near
Dunbar, was sentenced to a term of from eight to 20 years in
Western Penitentiary by President Judge W. Russell Carr.
Before he fired the fatal shotgun charge into the body of his
wife, Finner, last November 24, a shot was fired so close to his
head that it “almost knocked off my cap,” according to Benford.
Benford entered a plea of guilty to murder and threw himself upon
the mercy of the court. On the witness stand in his own behalf,
Benford testified that he and his wife gripped the pump shotgun
and that he felt the heat of the shot as it whizzed past his head.
That first volley left a ringing in his hears and almost blacked
out his memory, he contended. As his wife ran in the direction
of the home of a neighbor, Benford fired the second shot, which
took the life of his wife. The two had been arguing and Benford
said his wife threatened his life and, as she departed, she told
him that “you better not be there when I get back.” When he
purchased the three shells at a hardware store near his home
in Dunbar, Benford asked if he could return the shells if they
were not used. After the fatal shooting, Benford told several
persons “I’m sorry it had to end that way.”

Full Military honors were afforded, Harry Y. Benford,
colored, at funeral service held for him at the home of
his brother, Raymond Benford of Speers Hill on Sunday
afternoon. The Rev. R. D. Epps of Mt. Zion Baptist
Church of Connellsville officiated. Among the hymns
sung were "Abide with Me”, "Just As I Am" and "Nearer
My God to Thee”. The Hughes Post of the American Legion
had charge of the service. Rev. W.S. Hamilton of the
post read the legion ritual at the grave. The drum and
bugle corps met the funeral cortège at the cemetery.

Mr. Benford died at the home of his brother on
Thursday following a short illness of pneumonia, and he
had lived until the 19 day of this month he would have
been 40 years old. He was a World War veteran and served
in the 505th engineers for 22 months overseas. Relatives
and friends from Mt. Pleasant, Connellsville Wheeler and
Uniontown attended the services.

JAMES A. BENFORD

James A. Benford, 68, of South Connellsville, was pronounced
dead on arrival at Connellsville State General Hospital at 9:30
p.m. Wednesday, where he was taken after being stricken ill at
his home. He was born March 3, 1900, in Everson, a son of the
late James L. and Sadie Orbin Benford. He lived in South
Connellsville 54 years, and was retired supervisor for the
North Fayette Municipal Water Company, at its South
Connellsville pumping station. He worked for the firm since
1918. He was a member of the Connellsville Lions Club.
Surviving are his widow, Mrs. Margaret Monahan Benford; two
sons, Dr. James M. Benford of Connellsville, and Dr. Edward R.
Benford of Uniontown; a daughter, Mrs. Donald (Monajean) Reilly
of Garden Grove, Calif.; and eight grandchildren.

BENFORD—
James A. Benford, 68, of South Connellsville, died
Jan. 1, 1969. Friends will be received after 7 p.m., today in
the Brooks Funeral Home, 111 East Green St., Connellsville,
where the funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday,
with the Very Rev. Leo Sullivan officiating. Burial will be in
the Mount Pleasant Cemetery. The Lions Club will meet at 7:30
p.m. Friday to pay their respects.

Patricia A. Benford, 78, of Connellsville, Fayette County, Pa.,
died Wednesday, April 26, 2006, in UPMC Presbyterian Hospital,
Pittsburgh, Pa. She was born March 25, 1928, in Connellsville,
Pa., a daughter of the late Henry A. and Bessie Leichliter DuShaw.
Mrs. Benford was a graduate of Connellsville High School, Class
of 1946, and Indiana University of Pennsylvania, Class of 1950.
She also attended the University of Pittsburgh, Trinity University
in San Antonio Texas on a Frick Scholarship, and she also received
credits at the University of Texas at Nacogdoches. She was a
retired English teacher from the Mount Pleasant Area School
District, Westmoreland County, Pa. She also taught in the
Connellsville Area School District, the Gressnsburg-Salem Schools,
in Allegheny County, Pa., and she began her teaching career in the
Punxsutawney School District, Pa. She was a member of the PSEA, the
NEA, the Fayette County Teachers Association, and the Pleasant
Valley Country Club. She was also a member of the Trinity
Evangelical Lutheran Church, Connellsville.

She is survived by her husband, Dr. James M. Benford; two
daughter: Stephanie Ann Benford, of Phoenix, Ariz., and Lisa
Petzel and her husband, Robert, of Monroeville, Pa.; one
granddaughter, Natalia Petzel; two brothers: Robert DuShaw and
his wife, Martha, of Clairmont, Fla., and James DuShaw and his
wife, Joyce, of Bradford, Pa., many nieces and nephews.

Friends will be received from 7 to 9 p.m., Thursday and 2 to
4 and 7 to 9 p.m., Friday in the BROOKS FUNERAL HOME, INC., 111
East Green Street, Connellsville, Pa., where funeral services
will be held Saturday at 1 p.m., with Rev. Herb Dubler officiating.
Interment will follow in the Green Ridge Memorial Park, Pennsville,
Fayette County, Pa. To sign the guest registry please visit
www.brooksfuneralhomes.com

PHILIP BENFORD

ROCKWOOD—
Philip W. Benford, 54, died at his home at Rockwood.
He was born Jan. 5, 1914, in Black Township, a son of Archie
and Annie Barclay Benford. Surviving are his stepmother, Mrs.
Hilda Benford of Rockwood, and these brothers and sisters:
Melvin of Hooversville, Norman, Ronald and Mrs. Ethel Miller of
Rockwood and Mrs. Julia Swarner, Mrs. Cora Sanner and Mrs. Edna
Brant of Rockwood, R.D. 1. A World War Two veteran, he was a
member of Turney Filey Post No. 7250, Veterans of Foreign Wars,
at Confluence.

MRS. J. L. BENFORD

Mrs. Sadie Gertrude Orbin Benford, 72 years old, wife of James
L. Benford, died at 9 o’clock Friday night at her home on
Second street, South Connellsville, after an extended illness.
Mrs. Benford was born at Broad Form on April 16, 1873, the
daughter of the late David and Sarah Orbin, and had spent all
of her life in that district. She is survived by her husband,
two children, Mrs. Ella Weir of Stockton, Cal., and James A. of
South Connellsville; six grandchildren, one brother, William
Orbin of Everson and one sister, Mrs. Elizabeth Sultzer of
Scottdale. She was preceded in death by a son, Robert Ray
Benford. The funeral service will be held Tuesday afternoon.

MRS. BENFORD’S RITES

The funeral service for Mrs. Sadie Gertrude Benford, wife of
James L. Benford, will be held at 2 o’clock tomorrow afternoon
at the home at Second street, South Connellsville, in charge of
Rev. Paul A. Morris of Everson. Burial will be made in Mount
Pleasant Cemetery in charge of Funeral Director Charles A.
McCormick.

ADAM BENKO

Adam Benko, 86, of 131 Broadway, Trotter, died at 9:30 p.m.
Sunday in Connellsville State General Hospital, where he had
been a patient since Oct. 6. He was born Dec. 7, 1880, at
Ziata, Czechoslovakia, a son of the late Mr. and Mrs. John
Benko, and had lived in Connellsville since 1948. He was a
retired coal miner of the U.S. Steel Co. and a member of
Trinity Lutheran Church. Surviving are five daughters, Mrs.
John (Mary) Durany of Brownfield, Mrs. Homer (Ann) McCormick of
Parma, Ohio, Mrs. Howard (Helen) Widener of South
Connellsville, Mrs. Julius (Pauline) Harcourt of Falls Church,
Va., and Mrs. Mildred Bungard of Connellsville; seven
grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; a brother, George of
Uniontown, and a half-brother, Andrew Benko of Czechoslovakia.
He was preceded in death by his wife Susan in August 1947 and a
son John killed in action at Anzio during World War II. The
body will be at the Brooks funeral home after 7 p.m. today. A
prayer service will be held there at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, with
additional rites at 2 p.m. in Trinity Lutheran Church, with the
Rev. H. Wahl Pfiefer officiating. Interment will be in Sylvan
Heights Cemetery. Viewing will be concluded at the funeral home.

Friends will be received in the Robert T. Kish Funeral Home, 20
North Mill St., New Salem, today from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m.
and Friday until 9:30 a.m., when a prayer service will be held,
followed by a funeral mass at 10 a.m., in St. Procopius Church,
New Salem, with the Rev. Fr. James L. Popochock as celebrant.
Interment in Oak Lawn Cemetery, Uniontown. A parish wake
service will be held today at 3:30 p.m.

Local newspaper, Fayette County, PA,
date unknown

Contributed by Marilyn Tolentino <
SFFoster at aol.com>

Bonnie L. BENNETT (1925-1994)

Bonnie L. Soliday Bennett, 69, of Lake Eksinore, Calif.,
formerly of Connellsville, died Sept. 5, 1994 in the Menisee
Valley Hospital at Sun City, Calif. She was born Aug. 8, 1925
in Smithton, Pa., a daughter of the late Edward Harris and
Maude Mellinger Harris Steindl. She was a former employment
counselor for C.E.T.A. and was a member of the First Baptist
Church of Greely, Colo. Surviving is her husband, Raymond
Bennett; a daughter, Mrs. Frank (Darlene) Dickinson of Fresno,
Calif.; two sons, Lawrence Terry Soliday of Greely, Colo. and
Glenn E. Soliday of Colorado Springs, Colo.; seven
grandchildren; five great grandchildren; a sister, Mrs. Clyde
(Gayle) Fisher of Layton, Pa.; step-father George Steindl of
Connellsville; and a step brother, Edward Steindl of Elizabeth,
Pa. She was predeceased by her first husband, Glenn Soliday in
1981; a brother, William E. Harris; and a sister, Georgeanna
Harris. Friends will be received at the BROOKS FUNERAL HOME,
INC., 111 E. Green St., Connellsville, on Sunday, Sept. 11,
from 7 to 9 p.m., from where services will be held Monday at 11
a.m. with Rev. William Shellhammer officiating. Interment will
follow in Hoffman Cemetery near Smithton.

Edward M. Bennett, Sr.

Edward Matthew Bennett Sr., 80, of 204 S. Eight St.
Connellsville, passed away Sunday, Sept. 17, 2000, in Uniontown
Hospital. He was born May 7, 1920, in West Virginia, son of
the late Noah C. and Lelah Hinkle Bennett. He was a retired
employee of the Freuhauf Corp., a member of St. Rita Roman
Catholic Church in Connellsville, a 20-year volunteer driver
for the Connellsville Ambulance Service, and a volunteer for
the Senior Citizens Meals-on-Wheels. He was founder of the
Ozark Mountain Boys Country Western Band. In addition to his
parents, he was preceded in death by three brothers, Lyda,
Oliver and Woodford Bennett; and three sisters, Hazel Hardman,
Osia Hoover and Lona Hamner. He is survived by his wife, Gemma
Molinaro Bennett; one son Edward M. Bennett, Jr. and his wife
Karen, of Virginia; three daughters, Lorraine and her husband,
Joseph Guynn, of Dunbar; Rita Anne and her husband, Jerald
Waltz, of Lemont Furnace, and Jean Bennett Taylor of Lorain,
Ohio; seven grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; brothers,
Boyd, Hayward, Leo and Darrell Bennett, all of Ohio and Herbert
Bennett of Florida; and two sisters, Zola Stockwell of West
Virginia and Pearl Holcut of Ohio. Friends are being received
in the RICHARD KUCERA FUNERAL HOME, 127 E. Fairview Ave.,
Connellsville, today from 7 to 9 p.m., Tuesday from 10 a.m. to
9 p.m. where a blessing service will be held Wednesday at 9:30
a.m. A funeral Mass follows at 10 a.m. in St. Rita RC Church,
Connellsville, with the Rev. Father Frank Lesniowski and the
Rev. Father Kenneth Molinaro, C.S.C., as celebrants. Interment
will follow in St. Rita Cemetery. St. Rita Parish wake will be
held in the funeral home on…

Local newspaper, Fayette County, PA,
September, 2000

Contributed by Marilyn Tolentino <
SFFoster at aol.com>

Helen D. BENNETT (1914-1994)

Helen D. Glotfelty Bennett, 79, of 319 Taylor Ave.,
Clarksville, died Friday, Nov. 18, 1994, at 9:58 p.m. in the
home of her daughter in Gilbertsville, Pa. She was born Nov.
30, 1914, in Perryopolis, Pa., daughter of the late Albert and
Ada Belle Masten Glotfelty. She was a member of Pine Bank
United Methodist Church, Lady Clarke Rebekah Lodge No. 191 in
Clarksville, Sunset Rebekah Lodge of Brave, Pa., and Daughters
of America in Waynesburg. In the 1930s and 1940s she and her
husband owned and operated Bennett’s Bus and Taxi Service in
Clarksville and in the 1940s they owned and operated
restaurants in Clarksville and Beallsville. On March 3, 1937,
she married Homer D. Bennett who survives. Also, surviving are
daughter, Mrs. Richard (Ruth) Battistoni of Gilbertsville, Pa.;
two grandsons, Richard Battistoni of Gilbertsville and Ronald
Battistoni of Lansdale, Pa.; one great-grandson, Tyler Anthony
Battistoni; one sister, Mrs. Clarence (Faye) Stanley of
Perryopolis, Pa.; several nieces and nephews. She was preceded
in death by two brothers, Paul and Harry Masten, and a sister,
Margaret Hess. Friends will be received in the GREENLEE
FUNERAL HOME, Fredericktown Hill, Fredericktown, on Monday from
7 to 9 p.m., Tuesday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m., where funeral
services will be held Wednesday, Nov. 23, 1994, at 11 a.m. with
Rev. Erwin Wilson and Rev. Joe Weaver officiating. Interment
will follow in Buckingham Cemetery, Deemston Borough,
Fredericktown R.D. 1, Pa.

Local newspaper, Fayette County, PA,
November, 1994

Contributed by Marilyn Tolentino <
SFFoster at aol.com>

John BENNETT ( -1898)

THE DEADLY FIRE DAMPClaims Eight Victims at the Umpire Mine

OPEN LIGHTS FIRE THE GASAn Investigation by the Coroner’s Jury
Ends in Holding theMINE OFFICIALS RESPONSIBLE

A Boy Operator Shut Off the Air Current When the Explosion Occurred.

CENES OF EX-citement and death reigned at Brownsville all week.
One of the most terrible mine explosions in the history of the
Monongahela river coal operations occurred in the Umpire mine of C.
L. Snowden & Co., at 8 o’clock Friday morning. Two mine drivers,
John Bennett and
Harry Hager,
were killed instantly and six others,
Robert Davidson,
John Heiston,
Sales Heiston,
William Pritchard,
John Cartwright and
James Bell
were suffocated by the after-damp,
which destroyed the living air immediately following the explosion.
Pritchard was married and resided at West Brownsville. He leaves a
wife and seven children. The Heiston’s were brothers, and colored.
John Lived at Bridgeport and leaves a widow and two children. John
Cartwright leaves a widow and three small children, who reside in
Brownsville. The other men were single. Hager lived in Brownsville
township and Davidson in a shanty not far from the fatal mine.

The first information of the explosion came from George Lacy, John
Smith, Samuel Meese and James G. Bennett, brother of one of the men
killed. They were at work in the mine also, and as soon after the
concussion of the explosion as possible they worked their way into
the effected district and found the bodies of Bennett and Hager.
From appearances it was believed that the drivers had gone into the
entry and ignited an accumulation of gas. Open lights were used.
Both bodies were burned somewhat, and also showed the effects of the
concussion. Later the bodies of the other miners were discovered,
in their rooms, where they had succumbed to the fatal lethargy that
overtakes the senses when the oxygen has been burned out of mine
air. As usual the bodies showed that the miners had not made any
struggles. The explosion, as judged from the indications left on
the side walls and roof of the mine, was strongest at the face of
the heading, leaving the impression that the gas had been liberated
at the face of the heading and worked its way out the entry.

The party named as rescuers were working in an entry not more than
50 feet removed from the heading in which the explosion occurred,
but they were uninjured, the air current leaving them pure air.
Another group of miners, a little nearer the deadly explosion, heard
the force of the gas as it ignited, and immediately started out.
They were met by the after-damp and some wished to stop, but an
experienced miner named John Ralston urged the men not to stop and
finally the party worked its way out to safety. A large force of
men volunteered to go into the mines immediately following the
announcement that there had been an explosion, and by 11 o’clock A.
M. all the bodies had been brought out of the mine. The scenes
about the opening were heartrending. A great crowd gathered and
many were the anxious faces that crowded about mourning about the
loved ones who were known to be in the mine at the time of the
explosion, and who were awaited, dead or alive, non knew which.
When the accident occurred there were 120 men in the mine and the
anxiety did not cease till all had been found. The explosion effects
did not cover a wide territory in the mine, and after the eight
bodies had been found no more casualties were found.

Peter F. Smith, Coroner of Fayette county left Uniontown for the
seat of the disaster and arrived early upon the scene. The
officials of the United Mine Workers sent as their representative at
the mine, Frederick Dilcher, from Pittsburg. Dr. Smith empaneled a
jury consisting of E. L. Moorhouse, John A. Robinson, Henry Leonard,
William L. Lenhart, Fletcher E. Chalfant and W. M. Fisher, who
viewed the bodies Friday evening.

The Coroner’s jury conducted a lengthy and exhaustive inquest over
the remains of the victims of the disaster, and rendered the
following verdict late Wednesday night:

We find that John Bennett, John Cartwright, Harry Hagar, Robert
Davis, William Pritchard, John and Silas Helston and James Bell came
to their death by an explosion of gas in entry 10 of the Umpire mine
of Friday, the 23rd of September, 1898, between the hours of 7 and 9
A. M., and our verdict is that had the proper mine officials, whose
duty it was to remove the danger that was known to exist, fulfilled
their duty, the accident would not have happened.

During the inquest, at which Robert Brownlee, Chief of the Bureau of
Mines was present, it developed that Raymond McCune, aged 13 years,
was engaged to operate the fan, and that he had shut off the air
current when the explosion occurred. Part of the time the fan was
run by Corbin McCune, aged 14 years, the father of the boys starting
it each morning.

John T. Armstrong, formerly fire boss at the Umpire mines, but now
employed at South Fork, Pa., said, “On the morning of March 21st, I
pronounced the mine unsafe, put up ‘danger’ and told the men to stay
out. Pit Boss Underwood said there was no danger in entries 5 and 6
and told the men to go to work.”

John William Bennett

John William Bennett, age 71 of Brownsville, Pa. died Monday,
July 30, 2012 in Monongahela Valley Hospital after a lengthy
battle with cancer. He was born on February 23, 1941 in
Blainesburg, Pa. son of the late Louis W. and Flora Toye
Bennett. He was predeceased by this father-in-law: David L.
Wyatt. He retired from the U.S. Postal Service as Postmaster
from 84 Post Office. John was a Member of American Legion of
California, Life Member of the Disabled American Veterans,
Masonic Lodge of California, Life Member of the California Gun
Club, Elks in Uniontown, the AMVETS Hopwood and a Social Member
of the West Brownsville Fire Department. He is survived by his
wife whom he married on April 23, 1966; Dixie Wyatt Bennett; 2
sons; John David Bennett and Mark Alan (Jennifer) Bennett; 2
Granddaughters; Nola Elizabeth and Genesis; Brothers; Kenneth
(Marion) Bennett and Gary (Cynthia) Bennett; Several nieces and
nephews; Mother-in-law Elizabeth Wyatt and companion Ernie
Magario and Brother-in-law David L. Wyatt. Friends will be
received in the SKIRPAN FUNERAL HOME 135 Park St. Brownsville,
PA on Friday from 2 to 8 p.m. where a funeral Service will be
held on Saturday at 10 a.m. with the Rev. Paul Sandusky
officiating. Interment Lafayette Memorial Park. In lieu of
flowers, the family requests donations be made to Leukemia and
Lymphoma Society, 333 East Carson St. Pittsburgh, PA 15219.

Leo R. BENNETT died in 1933. His obit was contributed to the Fayette County
USGenWeb Project.(2)

..suddenly at his home on the Hopwood Fairchance road, at 7:32 o'clock last night,
January 16, 1933, from an attack of acute indigestion with heart complications
but was apparently well on the road to recovery. Late yesterday afternoon
he had come downstairs to have dinner with his family. As he stood up to return
to his room, he remarked that it was 7:30 o'clock but thought it to be later.
With the words he collapsed on the floor fatally stricken. With him
were Mrs. Bennett and daughter, Jeanne Bennett. Mr. Bennett was born at Milton,
Pa., October 14, 1884 but spent the great part of his life in Fayette county.
For many years he was engaged in the barbering business in Uniontown and
for several years was a deputy sheriff. He was a member of the Jr. O. U. A. M.
and Uniontown Lodge No. 370, B. P. O. Elks and was widely and popularly known
throughout the county. Funeral arrangements had not been completed last night
awaiting word from his brothers and sisters. It is thought he may be taken
to the family home at Milton for burial.
Mr. Bennett is survived by his widow, Mrs. Martha Bennett, and two daughters,
Miss Jeanne, graduate nurse of the Uniontown Hospital Nurses' Training school,
and Mrs. Fred M. Lloyd of Williamsport. Three sisters and four brothers
also survive. They are Mrs. Frank Martin of Lewisburg, Mrs. James Crawford
of Sunbury and Mrs. George Fox of Milton, and Thomas Bennett, Alfred Bennett,
and Harry Bennett of Milton and William Bennett of East Rochester.
(looks like the first line is missing)
(newspaper dated January 18, 1933)

Norman A. BENNINGHOFF ( -1962)

To view complete article concerning mine blast, as well as complete
list of miners killed, see
Hurley C. Stalnaker.

Rites for MinersKilled at Robena

BENNINGHOFF FUNERAL

The funeral service for Norman A. Benninghoff, 57, of
McClellandtown, R. D. 1, a victim of the Robena Mine explosion, will
be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday in the Johnston funeral home,
Uniontown. The Rev. G. C. Waldkoening will officiate. Interment
will be in Green Ridge Memorial Park. A native of Connellsville, he
was a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church of Connellsville and
Robena Local No. 6321, U.M.W.A. Surviving are his widow, Anna E.;
two children, Ray N. of Uniontown and Jean at home, and two
grandsons.

Isaac BENNINGTON died in 1937. His obit was contributed to the Fayette County
USGenWeb Project.(2)

Isaac Bennington, aged 79 years, died suddenly in his home at Hutchinson, at
11 o'clock Wednesday morning, March 17, 1937. He was born November 25,
1857.
Surviving is one sister, Mrs. Katherine Show, of Hopwood.
The body is to be removed this evening to the home of Samuel Snow, of Brownfield,
a nephew.
Funeral services will be solemnized, in the Samuel Show residence at 3 o'clock
Friday afternoon in charge of Rev. Mr. Peters. Burial will be in a Hopwood
cemetery.

A. L. BENSON ( -1933)

A. L. BENSON,
aged 72 years, pioneer resident of Bruceton Mills,
W. Va., and one of the district’s foremost farmers, died at 4
o’clock Thursday morning in the family home after an illness of
complications. He is survived by his widow, Mrs. Maggie
Collins Benson and the following children: Mrs. Dora Uphold of
Fairchance; G.M. Benson of Bruceton Mills; F.G. and W.B. Benson
of Uniontown; Mrs. Flossie Christopher at home and Norvel
Benson of Morgantown. A brother F.J. Benson and a sister, Mrs.
Sarah Guesman of Rices Landing, also survive. He was a member
of the Methodist church. Funeral services will be held
Saturday morning at 10:30 o’clock in the Union church at
Hopewell W.Va., with burial in the Bruceton Mills cemetery.

Mrs. Benson died in the hospital at 1:24 o'clock today of a fractured skull and
other injuries received when the car, driven by her husband, C.M. Benson, met
that operated by yound Friend, on the east slope of the mountain.

Friend, who also received a skull fracture in the crash, died at 6:45 a.m. today
in the hospital, after fighting off what seemed death for more than 24 hours.

Condition of four others in the accident was reported today as fair.
Standard; Feb.17, 1933

Jean Anderson BENSON
(1926-2008)

Jean Benson

Jean Benson, 82 years, of Uniontown, Fayette County, Pa., passed
away and went to be with her Savior and Lord Jesus Christ on
October 17, 2008. She was born January 6, 1926, in Shinnston,
W.Va., daughter of Benjamin Anderson and Alma Lawler Anderson.
In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her loving
husband, Marvin R. Benson. Jean was a 1943 graduate of Shinnston,
W.Va. High School, and a 1949 graduate of West Virginia University,
and a member of the Alpha Phi Sorority. She was formerly employed
as a recording secretary for the Uniontown School District School
Board for many years. She was a member of the First Baptist Church,
of Fairchance, Fayette County, Pa., the Friendship Bible Class,
College Club, White Shrine of Jerusalem No. 42, and the Em-Kay Club,
and Uniontown Chapter 263 Order of Eastern Star. She also
volunteered for many years for the Uniontown Public Library.

Jean is survived by her loving daughter, Ann Kelley, of
Uniontown, Pa.; loving brother, Jackson Anderson and wife,
Barbara, of Shinnston, W.Va.; nephews and nieces, Dr. Jackson
Anderson, Jr., of Colorado Springs, Colorado, Lea Smith and Susan
Rodeheaver, both of Pittsburgh, Pa., Benjamin Anderson, of Scottsdale,
Arizonia, John Anderson, of Davis, W.Va., Ralph Anderson, A. James
Anderson, and Lillian Shanahan, and other great nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends in the DEAN C. WHITMARSH FUNERAL
HOME, 134 West Church Street, Fairchance, Pa. on Monday from 2-4
and 7-9 p.m., and on Tuesday, October 21, 2008 until 11:00 a.m.,
the hour of service, with Reverend Scott Hoppe, officiating. There
will be White Shrine Services Monday at 6:30 p.m. Interment will
follow in Oak Lawn Cemetery, Uniontown, Pa. Memorial contributions
may be made to the Uniontown Public Library, 24 Jefferson Street,
Uniontown, Pa., 15401.

Martha Randolph BENSON died in 1932. Her obit was contributed to the Fayette County
USGenWeb Project.(39)

MARTHA R. BENSON
Martha Randolph Benson, 46, wife of W. H. Benson, 30 Lenox Street, died at 4:30
o'clock Saturday afternoon, January 23, 1932, in the Uniontown Hospital. Death
was due to complications.
Mrs. Benson was a member of the Bethany Class and of the Third Presbyterian church.
Surviving in addition to her husband are: five children, Mildred, Gladys, Pauline,
Edith and Lois, all at home; her father, Richard Randolph, of Uniontown; the
following brothers and sisters, Mrs. A. C. Lee, of Masontown; Mrs. W. B. Jacobs,
and Levi S. Randolph, both of Uniontown; J. N. Randolph, of Brier Hill; Irvin
K. and C. R. Randolph, both of McKeesport; George E. Randolph, of Brownsville;
Mrs. Caroline Ache, of McClellandtown; Mrs. Louise Whetsel, of Uppermiddletown
and Harold R. Randolph of Charleroi.
Funeral services will be held at the family residence Tuesday afternoon at 2:30
o'clock, in charge of Rev. Thomas W. Colhouer. Burial at Sylvan Heights.
Active pallbearers will be: O. M. Messmore, R. R. Keener, O. E. Keener, Allen
J. Parke, John Q. Adams and William Raffle.

Robert Lee BENSON (1933-2004)

Robert Lee Benson, 70, of Monroe Township, Pa., died Sunday,
January 4, 2004 at home. He was born October 10, 1933, in
Gans, Pa., a son of the late Earl and Alice Marie Emory
Benson. He was a retired draftsman with Hartman Associates,
and a member of Harrisburg First Church of the Brethren.
Surviving are his wife Waneta I. Darkwood Benson, a son,
Alan Robert Benson of Etters, two daughters, Jodie Zahner
of Highlands, N.C., and Debra Rogers of Wichita, Kan.; a
brother, James Earl Benson of Whitehouse Station, N.J.; and
seven grandchildren. Memorial services 11 a.m., Thursday, in
his church, 219 Hummel Street, Harrisburg, with the Rev. Belita
D. Mitchell and the Rev. Dennis Coffman officiating. Burial will
be in Mechanicsburg Cemetery. There will be a visitation from 6
to 8 p.m., Wednesday, at Malpezzi Funeral Home, Mechanicsburg.
Memorials may be made to Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, 800
Corporate Circle Harrisburg, Pa. 17110; Gans United Methodist
Church, Gans, Pa. 15439 or Brethren Housing Association, 219 Hummel
Street, Harrisburg, Pa.

Edward F. Beny, 78, of Mount Pleasant, died Thursday, Sept. 28,
1995, in Westmoreland Manor, Greensburg. Friends will be
received from 5 to 9 p.m. today and 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m.
Sunday at the BROOKS FUNERAL HOME INC., 406 E. Washington St.,
Mount Pleasant, where a blessing service will be held Monday at
9:30 a.m. followed by a funeral Mass at 10 a.m. in the
Transfiguration Roman Catholic Church, Mount Pleasant.
Interment, with full military rites, will follow in Green Ridge
Memorial Park, Pennsville. In lieu of flowers, the family
suggests memorial contributions be made to the Transfiguration
Roman Catholic Church, Mount Pleasant.

ADAM M. BENYA

Adam M. (Abe) Benya, 62, of Uniontown, R. D. 3, died Monday in Uniontown
Hospital. He was born at Monarch, a son of the late Adam and Susan
Benya. He was a member of St. John’s R. C. Church, Uniontown, the
Veterans of Foreign Wars, Post 47, the F. O. of Eagles of Uniontown
and the Hutchinson Sportsman’s Club. He was a veteran of World War II,
having served with the United States Navy and was employed with Benson’s
Clothing store for more than 20 years. He is survived by his wife, Mrs.
Margaret Roebuck Benya; a son, Adam, Jr. of Connellsville; a brother,
Andrew of Maryland; and three sisters, Mrs. Susan Bennett of Maryland,
Mrs. Katherine Murray and Miss Mary Benya, both of Uniontown.

BENYA—Friends of Adam M. (Abe) Benya of Uniontown, R. D. 3, who died
Monday, July 8, 1974, may call at the Haky Funeral Home, 1339 W. Fayette
St., Uniontown, from 7 to 9 p.m. today and 2 to 5 and 7 to 9 p.m.
Wednesday, and until 10:15 a.m. Thursday, when a prayer service will
be held at the funeral home, followed by a mass of Christian burial at
11 a.m. in St. John’s R. C. Church, Uniontown, with the Rev. Thomas Rinn
as celebrant. Interment will be in Sylvan Heights Cemetery, Uniontown.

Arda Posta Beranek, 90, a resident of Westmoreland Manor for 23
years, formerly of Mount Pleasant, died Thursday, March 16,
1995, in Westmoreland Manor. She was born April 18, 1904, in
Czechoslovakia, a daughter of the late Frank and Anna Ibl
Posta. She was a 1923 graduate of Mount Pleasant High School.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her
husband, Edward Beranek; a sister, Mary Murphy; and two
brothers, James Posta of Ligonier, Frank Posta of Ligonier,
Frank Posta and his wife, Helen, of Inverness, Fla., and Lloyd
Posta and his wife, Marie, of Mount Pleasant; one sister, Mrs.
Don (Ella) Minster of North Versailles; and a number of nieces
and nephews. Friends will be received at the EUGENE G. SALOOM
FUNERAL HOME INC., Main Street, Mount Pleasant, today from 7 to
9 p.m. and Saturday from noon to 2 p.m., at which time services
will be held with the Rev. William M. Chittester officiating.
Interment will follow in Mount Pleasant Cemetery.

Local newspaper, Fayette County, PA,
Friday, March 17, 1995

Contributed by Marilyn Tolentino <
SFFoster at aol.com>

Frank BERCHA ( -1967)

FRANK BERCHA

Frank Bercha, 85, of Masontown, died Monday in the Golden Age
Nursing Home in Brownsville. He was a charter member of St.
Mary’s R. C. Church of Masontown and a member of UMWA Nemacolin
Local. Surviving are several nephews and nieces.

BERCHA, FRANK—
Friends are being received in the Yoney Funeral
Home, Masontown, today from 1 to 10 PM, and where a prayer
service will be held Thursday at 9 AM, followed by a Requiem
High Mass at 9:30 AM in St. Mary’s R. C. Church, Masontown,
with the Very Rev. John J. Gaydos, as celebrant. Burial will
follow in the church cemetery. Paraslag will be held this
evening at 7:30.

Michael BERDAR died in 1931. His obit was contributed to the Fayette County USGenWeb
Project.(15)

MICHAEL BERDAR
Michael Berdar, aged six years, three months and 11 days, son of Mr. And Mrs.
John Berdar of House No. 7, Jamison Works, died at 10:10 a.m. Friday, February
13, 1931, in the Uniontown Hospital. In addition to his parents he is survived
by the following brothers and sisters, all at home: John, Charles, George, Frank,
Anna and Helen.
Short funeral services will be held at the home of the parents Sunday afternoon
at 2 o'clock followed by additional services in the Russian Orthodox Greek Catholic
church, New Salem, in charge of Fr. M.M. Czap. Burial will be in the church
cemetery.
Morning Heralds February 14, 1931

Jacob L. BEREITER, Jr. (1925-1996)

Jacob L. Bereiter, Jr., 71, of Uniontown, Pa., and formerly of
Connellsville, Pa., died Monday, September 23, 1996, in Cherry
Tree Nursing Home, Uniontown. He was born July 1, 1925, in
Dunbar, Pa., son of Jacob L. and Catherine Freedman Bereiter
Sr. He was a lifelong resident of the Dunbar/Connellsville
area, graduate of Dunbar Township High School, retired from
Anchor Hocking Corporation in South Connellsville where he
worked as a mold maker for 40 years, veteran of the U.S. Navy
who served during World War II, and a member of Connellsville
VFW Post 21, Knights of Columbus Father John Burns Council No.
948, Connellsville Senior Tigers, and Immaculate Conception
Roman Catholic Church in Connellsville. He is survived by three
daughters: Mrs. Vincent (Mary Kay) Karolewics of Uniontown,
Dr. and Mrs. Richard (Deborah) Raucci of Clarion, and Mrs.
Thomas (Karen) Blahovac of Greensburg, seven grandchildren,
three sisters: Mrs. Dorothy Dunlap of Dickerson Run, Mrs. Rex
(Patricia) Kapolka of Uniontown, and Mrs. Robert (Barbara) Opst
of Dunbar, and a special friend, Betty. His parents, his wife,
Mary M. Wujcik Bereiter, a son-in-law, David Cacciamani, two
brothers, Edward Bereiter and Robert J. Bereiter, and three
sisters, Rose Jean Hohman, Anna Mary Humphrey, and Catherine
Baluch, preceded him in death. Friends will be received in the
BROOKS FUNERAL HOME INC., 111 East Green St., Connellsville,
today from 7 to 9 p.m., Wednesday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m.
where a Blessing Service will be held Thursday, September 26,
at 9 a.m. A Funeral Mass will follow at 9:30 a.m. in
Immaculate Conception R.C. Church, Connellsville, with Rev. Fr.
John Butler as Celebrant. Interment will follow in St.
Joseph’s Cemetery where military rites will be accorded by
Connellsville VFW and American Legion Honor Guard. In lieu of
flowers the family requests donations be given in his memory to
the American Cancer Society, Fayette Unit, 4 North Beeson
Blvd., Uniontown, PA 15401 or Alzheimer’s Association, Laurel
Mountain Chapter, 1011 Old Salem Rd., Greensburg, PA 15601.
Parish wake service will be held in the funeral home on
Wednesday at 3 p.m.

Local newspaper, Fayette County, PA,
September, 1996

Contributed by Marilyn Tolentino <
SFFoster at aol.com>

Lazarus BEREITER died in 1926. His obit was contributed to the Fayette County USGenWeb
Project.(5)

BEREITER, LAZARUS
Lazarus BEREITER, 61 years old, died Sunday morning at 10 oclock at his
late home at Dunbar following a two years illness with complications. He
is survived by three sons, John and Jacob of Dunbar and Robert at home and a
daughter, Mrs. Richard HARZAY of Dunbar. There are seven grandchildren.
Courier Thurs. 7-8-1926

Benjamin W. BERG ( -1927)

BENJAMIN W. BERG

Benjamin W. Berg, one of the best known business men of Point
Marion, died in the Uniontown Hospital, Tuesday night, March 8,
1927, at 7:55 o’clock following a lingering illness. Mr. Berg
was taken to the hospital Tuesday afternoon when his condition
took a turn for the worse. Mr. Berg was 60 years of age.
Prior to three years ago when he was forced to retire because
of ill health, Mr. Berg conducted a grocery business in Point
Marion. Mr. Berg was a member of the Masons and of the Odd
Fellows of Point Marion. He was a lifelong member of the
Methodist church of Point Marion. He is survived by his widow
and five children, Mrs. W. S. Dillinger of Point Marin, and
Nell, Ruth, Marjorie, Doris and Harry, all at home. No funeral
arrangements have been announced.

Eleanor M. BERG died in 1935. Her obit was contributed to the Fayette County
USGenWeb Project.(22)

Word has been received by Uniontown friends of the death of Mrs. Eleanor
Muhelenburg Berg, 34, wife of Ernest Berg Monday, August 12, 1935 at 2 a.m. in
the
Mt. Pleasant Hospital. Death followed an operation.
Surviving are her husband; two sons, Ralph and Gilbert; her parents, a
brother and a sister.
Deceased was an active member of the Church of God, Mount Pleasant, and
formerly resided in Uniontown.
Services will be held in the family residence near Mt. Pleasant, at 2 o'clock
Wednesday afternoon with Rev. E.O Barnhart officiating. Burial will be in the
Mt. Pleasant cemetery.

BERG, MAUDE MILLER,
aged 60 years, 1 month and 12 days, died at
her home, House No.11, Ralph Works, Tuesday morning at 9:03
o’clock. She was born July 6, 1882, in Mt. Pleasant township.
She was a daughter of Wesley and Mary Pletcher Miller. She is
survived by her husband, Adam Berg; two children, Miss Marie
Berg at home and Clyde Berg of Ralph; two brothers, John Miller
of Acme and Thomas Miller of Laurelville; one sister, Mrs.
Myrtle Utterback, Scottdale, and three grandchildren. Friends
will be received at the home until 1:30 Thursday afternoon
where brief services will be held followed by additional
services in the Mt. Joy Church of the Brethren at Brush Run
with Rev. Blough officiating, assisted by Rev. R.C. VanEman.
Burial will follow in the church cemetery under the direction
of C.B. Dearth Sons, New Salem.

C.E.
BERGAN died in 1931. His obit was contributed to the Fayette County USGenWeb
Project.(15)

C. E. BERGAN
Word has reached Uniontown of the death, Friday, June 26, 1931 of C .E. Bergan
at the home of a daughter, Mrs. W. W. Tanner 1010 Rose Hill Avenue, Hagerstown
MD. Mr. Bergan was a former resident of Uniontown and had a wide circle of friends
and acquaintances here. At the time of his death he was 79 years of age. He
is survived by one son and two daughter.
Mr. Bergan was a member of the Brotherhood of Painters, Decorators and Paperhangers
of America, L.U.N. 198 and of the Junior Order of United American Mechanics.
Funeral services were solemnized in the Episcopal church, Hancock, MD and burial
was in the church cemetery.
Herald---July 2, 1931

Roy BERGEN died in 1937. His obit was contributed to the Fayette County USGenWeb
Project.(7)

Roy Bergen
Body of Roy Bergen, 42, of Arensberg, who accidentally fell of a boat at 9 o'clock
Saturday morning and was found on the surface of the river at 3 o'clock yesterday
afternoon less than 50 yards from where it disappeared.
Clutched in one hand was a leather strip Bergen used while cranking an outboard
motorboat being towed by the ferry when he lost his balance and fell into the
river.
Recovery of the body was made the members of the Rices Landing fire department
and employes of the Crucible ferry, operated by John Rice.
Bergen went to Arensberg from Raleigh, N. C. about eight years ago.
The body was removed to the Lucas funeral parlors in Jefferson and police are
endeavoring to leave the names of survivors
[Portion Missing]
Herald Oct 26 '37

Francis BERGIN (1909-1937)

FRANCIS BERGIN

A brief illness of pneumonia Tuesday morning caused the death
of Francis Bergin, in Harrisburg. Mr. Bergin, who made his
home with his aunt, Mrs. Catherine Powell, in Harrisburg while
he was employed in the Treasury Department, became ill last
Monday. Until last May he had rounded out close to ten years
in the Treasury Department and was among one of its youngest
employes. He was born at Searight on October 8, 1909, a son of
William Bergin and the late Mrs. Sara Berkin. The family moved
to Connellsville about twenty years ago and there he attended
the Parochial school. He graduated from Connellsville high
school in 1928. In addition to his father, he is survived by
five brothers, Daniel and Martin, at home; Walter, of
Cleveland, O.; Robert, of Wilkes-Barre, and William, address
unknown. The body was received in Connellsville Wednesday
evening and taken to the parental home in East Fairview avenue
to await funeral service Friday morning. Requiem mass will be
said in Immaculate Conception church. Burial will be made in
St. Joseph’s cemetery.

John Berisko, 94 years, of Republic, Pennsylvania passed away
peacefully on Thursday morning, August 5, 2010 with his
loving Family at his side. He was born May 19, 1916 in Orient,
Fayette County, Pennsylvania the son of John and Mary
Findysz Berisko (Boryczka). On September 27, 1937 John
married his sweetheart, Bridget Stebok, and together they
would have celebrated 73 years of marriage next month. "Pap"
was a member of Madonna of Czestochowa Roman
Catholic Church in Cardale, Pennsylvania. He retired from
United States Steel's Maple Creek Mine and was a
member of the United Mine Workers of America Local 1248.
In his younger days, John was an avid hunter, fisherman,
trapper and ball player. He also enjoyed gardening, reading a
nd telling stories of his early coke oven and coal mining days.
He was an avid fan of the Pittsburgh Steelers and the
Pittsburgh Pirates. "Pap" was a hard-working, honest
man, always with a smile on his face. After years of labor,
he was blessed with a long, happy retirement, always
surrounded by loving Family and Friends.

John was preceded in death by his parents; his
infant son, Lawrence (1941); great grandson, Charles
Mason; brothers, Walter and Henry; and sisters, Helen
Pelc, Sophia Berisko and Frances "Faye" Tassone.

We love you so much "Pap" and we could not have
asked for a more wonderful Husband and Father!

Friends will be received in ROBERT T. KISH
FUNERAL HOME, 19 Legion Street, Republic,
Pa., today from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. and Monday,
August 9, until 9:30 a.m. when a Prayer Service will be held.
A Funeral Mass will follow at 10 a.m. in the Church of
the Madonna with Rev. Father Stephen Bugay as Celebrant.
Interment will follow in St. Mary's Cemetery, Cardale.
Parish Wake Service will be held in the Funeral
Home today at 3:30 p.m. The Parish Rosary will be
prayed in the Funeral Home today at 8 p.m.

Herald Standard, Uniontown, PA,
Sunday, August 8, 2010

Contributed by Brenda Turner Blake <
blakeb28 at yahoo.com>

John R. BERKSHIRE
(1854-1932)

JOHN R. BERKSHIRE

John R. Berkshire, aged 78 years, died Monday night at 11:10 at his
home near Woodside after a lingering illness. He was born April 12,
1854 and was well known in the county. He is survived by his widow,
Mrs. Carrie Berkshire and the following children: Mrs. John McCann
of Carmichaels; Mrs. Phillip Bixler of Old Frame; Harry, Lloyd,
Raymond, Ralph, Kenneth and Dewey Berkshire all of Masontown, and
Edith, at home. Short funeral services will be held at the home
Thursday afternoon at 1:30 followed by additional services at the
Old Frame Presbyterian church at two o'clock. Burial will be in the
church cemetery.

Klondike Happenings

By JOHN WILLIARD

Article begins with other stories. Article of interest begins in
paragraph 5.

John R. Berkshire, who died at his country home Monday evening,
December 5, 1932, was one of Fayette county’s best citizens. He was
well known as a barn builder, he having built many barns in southern
Fayette county. His private and home life was a model one. As a
mechanic, he was honest and industrious. Those who employed John
Berkshire always knew that the work would be well done. He was a
man of intelligence and good common sense. He was interested in the
welfare of the community in which he lived. It was always a
pleasure to meet him because of his jovial nature. Mr. Berkshire
was in his 79th year at the time of his death. His funeral took
place Thursday afternoon, December 8, 1932. His funeral was very
largely attended by relatives and friends.

BERKSHIRE, LLOYD — Age 86 years of Masontown, Pa.
died Friday, April 11, 1975 in the Uniontown Hospital. He was
the son of the late John and Emma (Bosley) Berkshire. He was
born February 14, 1899 at Woodside Pa. He was a member of the
Masontown Mennonite Church.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Olive (Townsend)
­Berkshire on August 15, 1972 and a brother, Raymond Berkshire
on August 15, 1973,

Friends will be received in the Grant R. Townsend Funeral
Home, 220 S. Main St., Masontown Sunday 2 to 9 p.m. , Monday
10 to 12 noon and in the Masontown Mennonite Church from 1 to
2 p.m. the hour of service with Rev. J. W. Townsend officiating.
Interment will follow in the church cemetery.

BERKSHIRE, Mabel Johnson — Age 73 years, of 624 E.
Church Ave.; Masontown, died Friday evening, July 27, 1973 in
the Uniontown Hospital. She was born September 7, 1899 in Masontown.
She was a member of the Masontown Evangelical Mennonite Church.
She is survived by: her husband, Kenneth L. Berkshire; a son,
James O. Berkshire of Masontown; four grandchildren. Friends
will be received in the Grant R. Townsend Funeral Home,
Masontown after 7 p.m. today and until Monday at 2 p.m. the
hour of service with Rev. J. W. Townsend officiating.
Interment in Greendale Cemetery.

Two persons were injured in a two-car crash at 9:30 p.m. Tuesday
on Route 119 near the Kentucky Fried Chicken north of Connellsville.
Connellsville Township Chief of Police Roger Adams investigated
the mishap. This is a view of the Berkshire car. A State
Trooper from Uniontown sub-station was also at the scene. Chief
Adams said a car operated by Mabel Berkshire, 73, of Church
Avenue in Masontown was pulling out of Blake Ave. The Berkshire
car pulled into the path of an automobile operated by Wendell
Forsythe, 42, of West Crawford Ave. in Connellsville. Kenneth
Berkshire, the drivers' husband, was a passenger in the car.

Mr. and Mrs. Berkshire were taken to Connellsville State
General Hospital and were later transferred to Uniontown Hospital.
South Connellsville Volunteer Fire Department ambulance was sent
to the accident scene and the Masontown couple were transferred
to the other hospital by South Connellsville firemen. Mrs.
Berkshire was admitted to the Uniontown hospital's intensive
care unit with fractures and internal injuries. She is listed
in satisfactory condition. Her husband was treated and
released. (Courier Photo)

Two inquests into traffic fatalities will be held Thursday at 2 p.m.
in the courthouse office of Dr. W. Ralston McGee, county corner.

The first ...............

The second inquest will be into the death of a Masontown
woman who was killed in a two-vehicle collision of Route 119
just south of Connellsville. Police state that Mrs. Mabel
Berkshire, 73, was riding in a machine operated by Kenneth
Berkshire of Masontown when the collision occurred. According
to police reports the other vehicle was driven by Wendell Forsythe
of Connellsville.

In the second inquest heard, Kenneth Berkshire of Masontown
was held responsible for the accident which resulted in the death
of Mabel Berkshire. Berkshire failed to yield the right of highway
resulting in the two-vehicle collision on Route 119 south of
Connelllsville. Wendell Forsythe of Connellsville was the other
driver, according to police reports.

Also, it was recommended that the Pennsylvania Dept. of Transportation
investigate the intersection at Route 119 and Blake Ave. in
Connellsville Twp. for installation of a traffic light in
the near future.

BERKSHIRE, OLIVE TOWNSEND — Age 87 years of
Orrville, Ohio, R.D. 1, formerly of Masontown, R.D., died
Wednesday, August 15, 1973 in Hanover House Nursing Home,
Massilion, Ohio. She was, born in Masontown on April 11, 1886 and
was the daughter of the late William and Rebecca Johnson Townsend.
She was a member of the Smithville Mennonite Church, Ohio.

Surviving is her husband, Lloyd Berkshire; three sons, J. L.
Berkshire, Akron, Ohio, Eugene and James, both of Orrville, Ohio;
three daughters, Mrs. Melvin (Mable) Hartman, Wooster, Ohio, Mrs.
Kermit (Margaret) Thomas, Johnstown, and Betty Berkshire, at
home; fourteen grandchildren; four great grandchildren; three
brothers, George Townsend, and Harry N. Townsend, both of
Masontown, and Frank Townsend, New Geneva; two sisters, Mrs.
Bertha McCann, Masontown, and Mrs. Zetta Honsaker, Pittsburgh.
She was predeceased by two daughters, a brother, and four sisters.

Friends will be received in the Grant R. Townsend Funeral Home,
Masontown, Saturday 2 to 10 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m. to 12 noon and
in the Masontown Mennonite Church from 1 to 2 p.m. the hour of
service. Rev. Paul Roth will officiate. Interment in Church Cemetery.

BERKSHIRE, STELLA VIOLA—
Friends are being received in the
David J. Honsaker Funeral Home, Masontown, today and in the
Masontown Mennonite Church, from 1 until 3 p.m., the hour of
service. Rev. Paul Roth and Rev. A. J. Meizler will officiate.
Burial will follow in the Green Dale Cemetery.

Samuel BERNSTEIN died in 1938. His obit was contributed to the Fayette County USGenWeb
Project.(40)

Samuel Bernstein, aged 49, local supervisor for the Periodical Publications Company,
Pittsburgh, died at 5:15 Wednesday evening, August 17, 1938, in the Uniontown
hospital where he had been a patient for the last six days. Death was attributed
to heart disease.
Mr. Bernstein had been in the magazine business here for 15 years. Surviving
is the widow, Pearl, of Mill street, and a number of brothers and sisters.
The body was removed to the J. Harry Johnston & Sons funeral home and was
sent last night to New York City where funeral services will be in charge of
a brother.
Mr. Bernstein's offices were in the Fayette Title and Trust building.

[Standard Aug. 18, 1938]

Agnes Sweda BERO (1908-2005)

Agnes Sweda Bero of Wickenburg, Arizona, passed away at the age
of 96 on Thursday, October 13, 2005. She was born December 5,
1908, in Dunbar, Pennsylvania, the daughter of Adam Sweda and
Barbara Matthews Sweda. Agnes married Stephen Bero from Uniontown,
Pennsylvania, where they owned Bero's Market and Grocery Store
for many years. They re-located to Downey, California, and at
retirement moved to Glendale, Arizona. Agnes moved to Wickenburg
in December 2000 after living in Glendale, Arizona, for 24 years.
In Wickenburg she lived with her daughter, Monica Bero Lambert.
Agnes attended the R & R Respite Care Group where she enjoyed
telling stories and socializing with the other seniors. She was
a member of Saint Anthony's Roman Catholic Church. Agnes touched
many lives with her sweet and gentle ways and will be fondly
remembered as a very warm and loving person!

Agnes was preceded in death by her parents, her husband,
Stephen Bero on February 11, 1981, a daughter, Barbara Rae
Nairn Bero, two brothers, six sisters and one niece, Sister Evelyn.
She is survived by her daughter, Monica Bero Lambert; a
granddaughter, Leslie Ann Nairn; a grandson, Gregory Stephen
Nairn; her Godchild and grandniece, Roseanne Strouth; and many
nieces and nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews. She also leaves
behind her beloved dog, Toby.

There will be no public visitation. A Mass of Christian Burial
will be said on Tuesday, October 18, at 10 a.m. in Saint Anthony's
Roman Catholic Church, Wickenburg, Arizona, with the Rev. Father
George Highberger as Celebrant. A private Graveside Service will
immediately follow in Holy Cross Cemetery, Glendale, Arizona.
Arrangements are under direction of the FREY-WICKENBURG FUNERAL
HOME, 187 North Adams Street, Wickenburg, Arizona 85390.

BERO, ANNE CINDRIC — Aged 22, of 186 Carnation Street
died suddenly Sunday, May 15, 1955 in an automobile accident.
She is survived by one son, aged 8 months; parents, Mr. and Mrs.
Nick Cindric, Phillips; six brothers, John F. Cindric, Lima,
Ohio; Joseph A., Uniontown; Nick W., Jr., Detroit, Mich.;
Andrew J., Paul J., George P., Uniontown; one sister, Mary
Louise Cindric, Uniontown. She was a graduate of St. John’s
High School, class of 1948. Friends will be received in the
Speshock Funeral Home, 111 E. Fayette St., Uniontown after
7 p.m. today until Wednesday at 8:15 a.m. when prayer service
will be held. Requiem High mass will be sung at 10 a.m. in
St. Mary’s r. C. Church with Rev. Fr. John Blazic as celebrant.
Interment will be in the church cemetery.

BERO, COLMAN R. — Age 25 of 186 Carnation Street
died suddenly Sunday, May 15, 1955 in an auto accident. He
is survived by one son James Lee Bero, aged 8 months; parents
Mr. add Mrs. Colman K Bero, Sr. of Uniontown; one brother,
Lee R. Bero, U.S. Air Force, New Mexico. He was a graduate
of South Union High School, class of 1948 and was a junior
student in engineering in West Virginia University. Friends
will be received in the Speshock Funeral Home, 111 E. Fayette
Street, Uniontown, after 7 p.m. today until Wednesday at 9:15
a.m. when prayer service will be held. Requiem High Mass will
be sung at 10 a.m. in St Mary's R.C. Church with Rev. Fr. John
Blazic as celebrant. Internment will be in the church cemetery.

Death in a five-car crash came to three persons on Route 40 early
Sunday morning. Thirteen others were injured in various week-end
highway accidents. State Police, who witnessed the worst accident
of the period, said Colman Bero, 25, and his wife, Anne, 22, of
South Uniontown, driving a jaguar roadster, collided with another
car while trying to pass a sedan driven by Robert Mihalik, 24, of
Uniontown, R. D. 3. The sports car swerved out of control after
hitting that of George Shaw, 20, of Farmington. The Jaguar was
then struck broadside by another sedan coming from the opposite
direction with Eugene Savage, 17, of Friendsville, Md., at the wheel.

Another sedan, operated by Nettie Williams, 38, of Farmington, was
struck by the Jaguar as she pulled around it and the Savage vehicle.
Her car spun about and crashed into an embankment on the other side
of the road and Mihalik headed his auto into the embankment purposely
to avoid hitting the wreckage.

Mr. and Mrs. Bero were dead upon arrival at Uniontown Hospital
as was Savage. Bero died instantly of crushed chest and skull
fracture; his wife suffered a compound fracture of the skull and
Savage had a broken neck and skull fracture.

The tragedy occurred between Mr. Summit and Hopwood at 1:30 o’clock
Sunday morning. Frances Fike, 18, of Bruceton, W. Va., an occupant
of the Savage car, was seriously injured. She was admitted to the
hospital with a compound fracture of the right leg, fractured left
wrist, lacerations of the lower lip, nose fracture and head injury.

A passenger in the Mihalik vehicle, Dorothy Sabatula, 23, of Bitner,
was treated for shock. John Reckus, 25, of Uniontown, owner of the
Jaguar, was treated for hysteria and shock. He was riding in the
Mihalik auto. Nettie Williams was treated at the scene for head
contusions and shoulder injury.

Damage including $4,000 fot the Jaguar whivh was a total loss,
amounted to nearly $6,000.

Bero is survived by an eight-month-old son, James; his parents,
Mr. and Mrs. Colman Bero, of South Uniontown, and a brother, with
the Air Force in New Mexico. His wife leaves her parents, Mr. and
Mrs. Nick Cindric of Phillips; six brothers, John F. of Lima, Ohio,
Joseph of Uniontown, and one sister, Mary Louise Cindric of Uniontown.
Bero was a graduate of South Union High School with the class of 1948
and a junior in West Virginia University’s school of engineering,
and his wife was a graduate of St. John’s High School, 1949.
The bodies were taken to the Speshock funeral home. The body of
Eugene Savage was moved to the Rodehaver funeral home at Markleysburg.

UNIONTOWN, June 2 — A jury empanelled by Coroner W.
Ralston McGee Saturday morning will determine the causse of
the accident May 17 on Route 40 just east of Hopwood in which
three persons were killed. The victims were Colman r. Bero, 25,
and his wife, Ann Cendric Bero, 22, of Uniontown and Eugene Savage,
17, of Friendsville, Md. Four persons were injured in the crash
in which five cars were involved. The persons who survived the
accident and who were treated in Uniontown Hospital have been
subpoenaed as witnesses. The inquests will start at 9:30 o’clock.

UNIONTOWN, June 6 — Three drivers were exonerated
Saturday by a coroner’s jury in the triple death accident May 15 on
Route 40, just east of Hopwood. The fourth operator who, with his
wife, was killed, according to verdict, lost control of the vehicle
he was driving. George D. Spaw and Nettie E. Williams of Farmington
and Robert J. Mihalik of Uniiontown were found blameless in the
accident in which Mr. and Mrs. Coleman R. Bero, Jr., and his wife,
Anne, and Eugene Earl Savage met death.

The verdict was:
“From the testimony presented, we find that Coleman R. Bero, Jr.,
lost control of his car, crossed the center line of traffic and
collided with two automobiles traveling in the right hand east
bound lane, one operated by George D. Spaw and Earl Eugene Savage
operating the second vehicle, causing the accident that resulted in
the deaths of Coleman R. Bero, Jr., Anne C. Bero and Eugene Earl Savage.”

“From the testimony presented we exonerate George D. Spaw, Nettie
E. Williams and Robert J. Mihalik of all responsibility.”

More attorneys than witnesses were present at the hearing over
which Coroner W. Ralston McGee presided. The testimony of the operators
involved was substantially given to Trooper John Lapatosky at the
time of the accident. The officer declared that mute evidence as to
the damage to the cars and the distance traveled over the accident,
indicated that Bero in a jaguar, owned by John Reckus, was traveling
between 80 and 90 miles per hour. Other witnesses said the Jaguar
was traveling “pretty fast.”

Heavy damages are asked in a suit filed in behalf of John Cindric,
administrator of the estate of Anne Frances Bero, against Coleman
K. Bero, administrator of the estate of Colman r. Bero, Jr. The
action resulted from the death of Mrs. Bero, fatally hurt in an
automobile crash, may 14, on Route 40, east of Hopwood. The suit
is for an amount “in excess of $1,000. Bero and Eugene Earl Savage
of Friendsville, Md., also were killed in the accident.

The suit cites that Coleman R. Bero, Jr., was driving at an
estimated speed of 80 to 90 miles an hour in a Jaguar owned by
John M. Reckus. In a collision with a vehicle operated by Savage,
the suit continues, Mrs. Bero was thrown out of the Jaguar. Her
injuries are described as a compound fracture of the skull, multiple
fracture of the left upper extremity, fracture of the pelvis, the
left femur and ribs on the left side. The suit ascribes Mrs. Bero’s
death to the “carelessness, negligence and wantonness of Coleman R.
Bero, Jr.

Mr. and Mrs. Bero’s were on their way home from Dulany’s
night club at the time of the crash. Expenses attending the funeral
of Mrs. Bero are itemized in the action. The plaintiff claims
damages for the estate of Mrs. Bero, the economic value of her
life as measured by the present worth of likely earnings and value
of services to a minor child, James Lee Bero, aged nine months,
which she would have earned and rendered during the period of life
expectancy.

Additional damage suits have developed from an automobile wreck
last may 15 on Route 40 east of Hopwood in which three were killed
and five injured. Previously, through Attorney David E. Cohen, the
administrator for Mrs. Ann Frances Bero had instituted action
against the estate of Colman R. Bero, Jr., through the administrator,
Colman K. Bero.

The recent suits were against the same administrator. Harry
Newton Savage of Friendsville, Md., father of Eugene Earl Savage,
killed with Mr. and Mrs. Bero in the accident, asks damages in excess
of $3,000 and damages of $1,350 for the Savage automobile owned by
Harry Newton Savage. Heavy damages are asked by Paul Fike, father of
Frances Fike, a passenger in the Savage machine. She suffered
multiple injuries.

The suits cite that Bero was operating a Jaguar automobile with
the consent of the owner, John M. Reckus. The four suits are for
large sums. By rules of the court only the term “in excess of
$1,000” is specified. Each suit outlines that Driver Bero was
operating the machine at a speed estimated at between 80 and 90
miles an hour. “Carelessness, negligence and wantonness” are claimed.

Frank J. Bero, 89, of Uniontown, Pa., passed away Monday,
July 26, 2004, in Mount Macrina Manor. He was born July 26, 1915,
in Uniontown, Pa., son of the late John and Mary Muzika Bero.
A 1934 graduate of Uniontown High School, Frank was a member of
St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church. He was a life member of both
the BPOE No. 370 in Uniontown, and Hutchinson Sportsmen's Club.
He was an associate member of the Fraternal Order of Police,
and a social member of AMVETS Post No. 103, Hopwood.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by
three brothers, Emil J. Bero, Coleman Kay (C K) Bero and
Stephen Bero. He is survived by his wife, Nell (Nellie) Juras
Bero of Las Vegas, Nev.; two daughters, Arlene Peterson and
husband, Jerry of Las Vegas, Nev.; and Phyllis Mathews and
husband, Jerry of Park Forest Ill.; 11 grandchildren; many
great-grandchildren; nieces and nephews, Monica Lambers of
Wickenburg, Ariz., Lee Bero and wife, Carol of Hopwood, Pa.,
Joe Kopahcko and wife, Patty of Ohio, Sister Marita Juras of
Pittsburgh, Pa., Robert D. Bero of Wisconsin, and Dr. Regis
Nairn of Glendale, Ariz.; and several other nieces and nephews;
best friends, Tim and Beverly Lowry of Uniontown; fishing buddies,
Earl "Spunk" Conway of Hopwood, and Harry Klink of Hopwood; and
a friend, Mike McCormick of Balsinger.

At his request, there will be no visitation or services.
Interment will be in St. Mary's Cemetery. Funeral arrangements
are under the direction of the DOLFI FUNERAL HOME, Uniontown.
Memorial contributions can be made to the American Heart
Association or the American Cancer Fund in his memory.

John Bero, 77, local grocer, died at 3 o’clock this morning at
his home, 187 North Gallatin avenue. Forty years ago, Mr. Bero
established the John Bero and Sons grocery store and meat market
on North Gallatin avenue. He was well-known throughout the county,
his store making deliveries not only in Uniontown but in many
other communities in the vicinity.

Surviving are his widow, Mrs. Mary Bero; four sons, Emil J.,
Cleveland; Colman K. and Stephen R., Uniontown, and Frank, at
home; and six grandchildren. Friends will be received at the
Gleason funeral home after 7 o’clock tonight. Funeral arrangements
will be announced later.

Mrs. Mary Bero, 74, of 187 N. Gallatin Ave., died late this
morning in Uniontown Hospital. She had been in ill health
for the past two years. Mrs. Bero, widow of John Bero, who
died April 21, 1954, was a member of St. Mary’s R. C. Church.

She is survived by four sons, Emil of Cleveland, and Colman
K., Stephen R. and Frank, all of Uniontown; one brother, George
Muzika of Lemont Furnace, and five grandchildren. Friends will
be received after noon Saturday at the Gleason Funeral Home,
114 E. Fayette St.

Nell (Nellie) Bero, 96, formerly of Uniontown, Pa. passed away
on Monday, February 16, 2009 at her residence in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Nell was born on February 12, 1913 in Oliver, Pa., the
daughter of Stanley and Nellie (Papierz) Juras.

In addition to her parents she is preceded in death by her
husband, Frank J. Bero, brother, Stanley Juras and sisters,
Mary Oblazny, Ann Froczak, Helen Gendron, Estella Dewitt,
Agnes Fleming, Louise Sly, and Carolyn L. Syrek. Nell is
the last surviving member of her immediate family.

She is survived by two daughters: Arlene Peterson and
husband Jerry of Las Vegas, Nevada and Phyllis Mathews and
husband Jerry of Park Forest, Illinois.

Friends are ask to join the family at St. Joseph Roman
Catholic Church on Saturday May30, 2009 at 9 a.m., the hour
of service with the Rev. Father Alexander Pleban presiding.
Arrangements are being handled by the THOMAS M. DOLFI FUNERAL
HOME 136 N. Gallatin Avenue, Uniontown.

Lois (Long) Berry, 76, of Weston, W.Va., died Sunday, July 21,
1996, in Charleston Area Medical Center Memorial Division after
a short illness. She was born Oct. 27, 1919, in Brownsville,
Pa., daughter of the late Charles and Winifrede Long. She
attended Carnegie Tech in Pittsburgh, was a 46-year resident of
Weston, W.Va., retired from West Virginia Department of
Highways and Lewis County United Way where she was an executive
secretary, and was a member of St. Matthews United Methodist
Church in Weston, W.Va., and Order of the Eastern Star. She is
survived by two sons, Dr. Bruce Berry of Charleston, W.Va., and
C. Mark Berry of St. Albans, W.Va., and four grandchildren.

Local newspaper, Fayette County, PA,
July, 1996

Contributed by Marilyn Tolentino <
SFFoster at aol.com>

Lyda BERRY ( -1930)

LYDA BERRY

Mrs. Lyda Berry, aged 60, of West Brownsville, died Saturday
evening at 8:10 o'clock in Dr. Matta's hospital at
Brownsville. Her death was caused from complications. She
leaves two sons and one daughter. They are: Miss Ethel and
Samuel, both of West Brownsville, and Joseph of Uniontown. The
funeral services will be held in the home of her son, Samuel,
in West Brownsville, Tuesday afternoon at 2 o'clock. Rev E. H.
Greenlee of the South Brownsville Methodist church will
officiate. Burial will be in the Franklin Cemetery.

Joseph J. Bert, 72, of Howard Street, Mount Pleasant, and who
was born in Waltersburg, died Saturday in Frick Hospital and
Community Health Center, Mount Pleasant. He is survived by his
wife, Jennie LoGrande Bert; two sons, Joseph J. Bert of
Ruffsdale and David A. Bert of Mount Pleasant; a daughter, Mrs.
Robert (Barbara Jo) Reboy of Scottdale; six grandchildren; one
great-grandson; and three sisters, Ann Anderson, Betty Bert and
Patricia Bert all of Mount Pleasant. Friends will be received
in the Eugene G. Saloom Funeral Home Inc., 730 West Main St.,
Mount Pleasant, today from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. and Tuesday
until 9:30 a.m.

Dorothy B. Bertoni, 67, of Acme, formerly a long-time resident
of Uniontown, died Saturday, Aug. 12, 1995, at home. She was
the daughter of James and Helen Antus Blazek. Besides her
parents, she was predeceased in death by her husband, Sisto R.
Bertoni, in 1970 and a brother, James Blazek Jr. She was a
retired school teacher from the Uniontown School District. She
is survived by three sons, Daniel Bertoni of Painesville, Ohio;
Gregory Bertoni of Urbana, Ill., and Leonard Bertoni of Acme;
three grandchildren, and a sister, Jane Scocchera of
Monroeville. Friends will be received in the JAY A. HOFFER
FUNERAL HOME, Norvelt, today from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m., where
services will be held Wednesday, Aug. 16, at 11 a.m. Memorials
may be made to the American Lung Association.

Local newspaper, Fayette County, PA,
August, 1995

Contributed by Marilyn Tolentino <
SFFoster at aol.com>

Mary BERTOVICH ( -1965)

BERTOVICH, MARY—
Age 83 years of Cleveland, Ohio, and formerly
of Masontown, died Tuesday, April 6, 1965, in the Jewish
Convalescent Center, Cleveland, Ohio. She was a member of All
Saint’s R. C. Church, Masontown. She was predeceased by her
husband, Joseph, in 1964. Surviving are the following
children, Mrs. Worthy (Kay) Cumberland of Easton, Pa., George
Rekoric, Mrs. Mary Bohan, Mrs. James (Helen) Magaruh, Mrs.
Melvin (Eleanor) Bowman and Matthew Rekoric, all of Cleveland,
Ohio, and John Rekoric, with the U.S. Army; two sisters, Mrs.
Anna Burick of Erie, Pa, and Mrs. Helen Thomas of Pittsburgh,
Pa.; one brother, Michael Sefcheck of Uniontown, Pa. Friends
are being received in the Berry Funeral Home, Detroit Avenue,
Cleveland, Ohio, until Friday, when friends will be received in
the Yoney Funeral home, Masontown, from 7 to 10 p.m. where
prayer services will be held Saturday at 8:45 a.m. followed by
Requiem High Mass at 9 a.m. in All Saint’s R. C. Church,
Masontown, with T. Rev. Msgr. A. J. Schneider as celebrant.
Burial will follow in St. Agnes Cemetery.

Rudolph (Rudy) Bertugli, 80, of Deltona, Fla., formerly of
Carmichaels, Pa., died Aug. 30, 1996, at home. He is survived
by his wife, Margaret O’Brien Bertugli, whom he married in
1953; one son; three daughters; one brother, Emil Bertugli of
Carmichaels; one sister, Emma Darney of Carmichaels; and
several nieces and nephews. Funeral services were held Sept.
2, 1996, in Deltona, Fla.

Social Security Death Index: Born—–May 19, 1916
Died—–August 29, 1996

Local newspaper, Fayette County, PA,
August, 1996

Contributed by Marilyn Tolentino <
SFFoster at aol.com>

Ralph Francis BESS (1928-2012)

NORVELTRalph Francis Bess

Ralph Francis Bess, age 84, of Norvelt, Pa., died Tuesday,
August 28, 2012 at home. He was born March 26, 1928 in River
Rouge, Michigan son of Harry A. Bess and Cecelia Drouillard
Bess, the prettiest girl in river Rouge! He was a Detroit
policeman for 10 years; owner of R.F. Bess Insurance Agency in
Detroit, moved to Marshall, Michigan, opened insurance agency
in Battle Creek; Video Production House; Pottery Norvelt Clay
Works. His accomplishments also include the arts: painting,
stained glass, pottery. Ralph was a man of many talents, a
sailor, and a pilot. He was a veteran who served in United
States Army and United States Air Force. Surviving are his
first wife, Delphine Montie; his wife, Janet Wadsworth Wedly
Bess; a brother, Patrick Bess and wife Patricia, Grosse Ile,
Michigan; children: Kevin Bess, Battle Creek, Michigan, Brian
Bess and wife Amy of Laingsburg, Michigan, Catherine Evans and
husband Todd, Patricia Kieper, Ralph Bess, Jerry Bess all of
Marshall, Michigan, Vickie Groce and husband Brian, Battle
Creek, Michigan, Brenda Mowrey and husband Robert of Hopwood,
Pa., Patricia Coan and husband Chris of Emeryville, California,
Linda Waidelich of Battle Creek, Michigan and Michael Wedl of
Uniontown, Pa.; 18 Grandchildren and 10 Great Grandchildren;
and special cousin, Mary Jo Braesoker and family, Woodhaven,
Michigan. Preceded in death by sister, Faye C. Bess; and his
parents. Per his request, there will be no viewing. A
Memorial Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.
Inurnment will be in The National Cemetery of the Alleghenies,
Bridgeville, Pa. Memorial contributions suggested to: Mount
Pleasant Library, a library of your choice, the Salvation Army,
or take a loved one to dinner. Arrangements: BURHANS-CROUSE
FUNERAL HOME, 28 Connellsville Street, Dunbar, PA 15431

Died

BETTERS—
In New Haven, at the residence of his son, Joseph,
Tuesday, June 16th, 1896, of diseases incident to old age,
Robert Betters, aged 79 years. Funeral services were conducted
in the New Haven Methodist Episcopal Church at 2:30 yesterday
afternoon by Rev. Woodson. Interment in Hill Grove Cemetery.

SETS BEDCLOTHING ONFIRE TO END LIFE.

While suffering from melancholy, Miss Emma Betts, a resident
of Connellsville up until about six months ago, committed
suicide in Parkersburg, W. Va. Saturday at the home of her
brother-in-law, C. C. Showalter, commander of the West
Virginia State Lodge of Miccabees by setting fire to the bed
clothing which she had wrapped around her. A little niece
discovered her with her hair blazing and the bed clothing
burning furiously. Before assistance arrived she had sustained
fatal injuries, dying a short time later. Miss Betts was a
niece of John Kurtz, of Connellsville, and while in
Connellsville resided with her aunt, Miss Ella Kurtz. She was
one of the most widely known residents of Connellsville,
having for a number of years been in the millinery business
with Porter and Kurtz. She has been in delicate health since
leaving Connellsville. The announcement of her untimely death
was learned with much regret by her many friends. The funeral
will take place this afternoon in St. Mary’s, Ohio. Miss Ella
Kurtz and Charles Kurtz of Connellsville, Mrs. Carrie
Stillwagon of Washington, Pa and Harry Kurtz of Pittsburg
attended the funeral. Miss Betts is survived by a brother,
Charles Betts, another sister, Miss Anna Betts of Parkersburg.
Another married sister, Belle Betts resides somewhere in
Texas. Mrs. Carrie Stillwagon of Washington, Pa. and Mrs.
Worth Kilpatrick of Connellsville, are aunts.

THE TALK OF TWO TOWNS

A Brief Record of the Minor Haps and
Mishaps of the Past Week

IN CONNELLSVILLE AND NEW HAVEN

Mrs. Mary Betts, mother of Miss Emma Betts, died yesterday at
her home in Pruntytown, W. Va. She was the oldest daughter of
Josiah Kurtz of this place. Miss Betts left yesterday to
attend the funeral. She was accompanied by her uncles, John
and Joseph M. Kurtz.

BETTS—
At Summit Mines, on Saturday, March 12, of apoplexy,
William Betts, aged 65 years.

Republican Standard, Uniontown, PA,
March 24, 1881, page 3

Contributed by Lucinda Boyer <
jimsey13 at verizon.net>

Joseph BEUCHER ( -1945)

JOSEPH BEUCHER

Joseph Beucher, 74 years old, of 314 Ogden street, died at 5:30
o’clock this morning. Mr. Beucher, a retired employee of the
laboratory of the West Penn Railways Company, had resided in
Connellsville for the last 64 years. He was a member of
Knights of St. George and the Immaculate Conception Church.
Surviving are his widow, Mrs. Gertrude Beucher; three children,
Mrs. Charles V. Smith, Mrs. Bertha Ringler and Mrs. Paul Mears,
all of Connellsville, a brother, Baptist Beucher, of
Connellsville, and four grandchildren. Prayer will be offered
at 8:30 o’clock Saturday morning at the home and 9 o’clock
requiem high mass will be celebrated at Immaculate Conception
Church by Rev. Henry Geibel, pastor. Burial will be made in
St. Joseph’s Cemetery. Funeral Director John J. Spishak will
have charge.

Elsie Mae Hoover Bevard, 77, of West Brownsville died Saturday
afternoon in Uniontown Hospital. Arrangements are incomplete
and will be announced by the Normal J. Wimer Funeral Home, 126
Front St., Brownsville.

May BEVELO died in 1935. Her obit was contributed to the Fayette County
USGenWeb Project.(3)

Funeral services for Miss May Bevelo were hekld Thursday afternoon
at her home , House #12,Oliver #1 ,Pa, at 3 o'clock, Church services will be
conducted at St. Theresa's R.C. Church at 8:30 o'clock to be followed by burial
in the Park Place Cemetery, Uniontown, PA.
THE MORNING HERALD - THURSDAY 11-14-1935- PAGE 8

H. F. 'Phil' BEVERAGE (1901-1970)

BEVERAGE, H. F. (PHIL) – Passed away at his home at Cheat Lake,
W.Va., March 22, 1970 at 10:30 p.m. following a lingering
illness. He was born at Hosterhan, Pocahontas County, W.Va.,
November 12, 1901, the son of the late George and Margaret
Burner Beverage. He was employed by West Penn Power Company
at Lake Lynn, Pa., for 37 years.

He is survived by his wife, Ida Costolo Beverage; one
sister, Mrs. Arthur Aldridge of Rainelle, W.Va.; two brothers,
Boyd of New Haven, Conn. and Paul of San Diego, Calif.

Funeral arrangements under the direction of the Louis
Rudolph Funeral Home, Pt. Marion are incomplete and will be
announced later.

The Evening Standard, Uniontown, PA,
Monday, March 23, 1970

Contributed by Caine Luckey <
luckeyc10 at yahoo.com>

Robert Wilson BEVERIDGE (1935-2012)

HOLLIS, MAINERobert Wilson Beveridge

Robert Wilson Beveridge, age 77, of Hollis, Maine died
Wednesday, August 1, 2012 in Salem, Massachusetts. He was born
in Uniontown, Pennsylvania on September 16, 1935 the son of
Ethel (Wilson) Beveridge and Robert P. Beveridge, both now
deceased. Robert graduated from Waynesburg College. He worked
for the General Motors Acceptance Corporation for 40 years and
managed the Uniontown (Pa.) branch in the eighties. He was an
avid gardner [gardener] and boatbuilder. His late uncle,
Francis Wilson, was a reporter for the Evening Standard and
became editor and publisher of the Klondike Bulletin in
Masontown, Pennsylvania. Surviving are his wife, Sue (Park)
Beveridge; two sons: Robert P. Beveridge of Cleveland, Ohio
and John R. Beveridge of Portland, Maine; and two
grandchildren: Sarah Beveridge and David Beveridge of
Cleveland, Ohio. Funeral services were private. Donations can
be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, 370 7th Avenue, Suite
1902, New York, NY 10001.

JOHN A. BEVILL

John A. Bevill, 82, of 7 Stahl Square, died in Golden Age
Nursing Home, Brownsville at 9:05 a.m. Saturday. He was born
in September, 1894 at Browns Summit, N. C. and was a retired
engineer for the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad with 50 years’
service. He was a veteran of World War I, serving overseas in
France and was a member of Walter E. Brown Post 21, Veterans of
Foreign Wars. He was a member of King Solomon Lodge 346, F. &
A. M., Connellsville; Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite,
Valley of Pittsburgh; Connellsville Chapter, Royal Arch Masons
283, Syria Temple Shrine, Pittsburgh and First Baptist Church
Connellsville. His only survivor is a niece, Elaine Hopper of
Reidsville, N. C.

Mary Pauline BEYER died in 1933. Her obit was contributed to the Fayette
County USGenWeb Project.(15)

MARY PAULINE BEYER
Friends of Mrs. Leonard K. Beyer were shocked to hear of her sudden death which
occurred early Sunday morning, January 1, 1933, in the Uniontown Hospital. She
had been seriously ill for two weeks, but her family and friends were hopeful
for her recovery.
Born at Milton, Pa-a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. O.J. Stocker-she was graduated
from Bucknell University in the class of 1924. She specialized in the study
of Biology and Modern Languages. She taught two years in Mifflintown, Pa., and
two years in Berwick, Pa., before coming to Uniontown as a teacher of Biology
in 1928. In June 1928, she was married to Leonard K. Beyer, teacher of Biology
and Agriculture in the Uniontown Senior High School.
During her four years as teacher in the Uniontown High School, she won the respect
of pupils and faculty alike. She sponsored and organized the High School Nature
Club, which has been most successful in its activities. Present and former members
of the Nature Club will miss her presence on their occasional mountain (? words
missing ?) field's class of the same church .
A brief prayer service was held at the Ferguson funeral home on Sunday afternoon
when friends of her Sunday School Class, High School faculty members, members
of the Lackey Class of which Mr. Beyer is a member, and others, gathered for
a brief service. Earl T. Chamberlin was in charge.
Six members of the faculty acted as escort and pallbearers early Monday morning,
when the body was taken to the Pennsylvania railroad station preparatory to being
taken to Milton, Pa., for burial. Those acting as pallbearers were: C. Warren
Brown, I.F. Hoerger, Edgar C. Hastings, Ban R. Kovar and R.D. Mosier and G.B.
Whitmoyer.
Mary Pauline Stocker Beyer is survived by her husband, Leonard K. Beyer, her
mother and father, Mr. and Mrs. O. J. Stocker, two sisters, Mrs. McDonald Hauck
of Milton, Pa., and Mrs. Edith Keyser of Bethlehem, Pa.
Funeral services will be held Wednesday at Milton, in her parents' home with
burial in Milton Cemetery.

Vera L. BIAGINI ( -1997)

Vera L. Biagini

Vera Lutes Biagini, 84, of Belle Vernon and a native of
Washington Township, Fayette County, died Sunday, March 9,
1997, in Jefferson Hospital, Jefferson Borough. She is
survived by her husband, George Biagini; children: David
Biagini and Mary Kay Biagini both of Pittsburgh; and a sister,
Rosena Lutes VanHorn of Weirton, W. Va. There will be no
public viewing. Burial will be private. Arrangements are
under direction of the Howard W. McCrory Funeral Home, 334 Main
St., Fayette City.

Local newspaper, Fayette County, PA,
March, 1997

Contributed by Marilyn Tolentino <
SFFoster at aol.com>

Theresa BIANCARDI (1887-1974)

MRS. THERESA BIANCARDI

Mrs. Theresa Biancardi, 87, of 251 Oak St., Mount Pleasant,
died at 2 a.m. today at her home. She was born April 16, 1887,
in Italy. She was a member of St. Pius X Oak Street Church,
Mount Pleasant. She is survived by two sons, Dr. Anthony
Biancardi of Uniontown; three daughters, Mrs. Jennie Visconti
and Mrs. Mamie Chuey, both of Mount Pleasant, and Mrs. Mary
Srogoncik of Amherst, Ohio; 14 grandchildren, and six great-
grandchildren. She was predeceased by her husband, Paul, July
17, 1974, and a son, Ralph, in 1962.

BIANCARDI—
Friends of Mrs. Theresa Biancardi of 251 Oak St.,
Mount Pleasant, who died Saturday, Aug. 24, 1974, may call at
the Meagher Funeral Home, Mount Pleasant. A prayer service
will be held there at 9:30 a.m. Tuesday followed by a mass of
the Christian burial at 10 a.m. in St. Pius X, Oak Street
Church, Mount Pleasant, with the Rev. Geno Rivi as celebrant.
Interment will be in the church cemetery. Our Lady of Mt.
Carmel Society will recite the rosary at 7 p.m. today in the
funeral home.

Joesph BIDDLE died in 1927. His obit was contributed to the Fayette County USGenWeb
Project.(19)

The funeral service for Joseph Biddle will be held Friday afternoon at 3 o'clock
in the Presbyterian Church of West Newton. Interment will be made in West Newton
cemetery. Mr Biddle died Tuesday night at the home of his daughter, Mrs
Roger Dove of Masontown, where he had been visiting following an acute illness
of indigestion. He was 79 years, 9 months and 28 days old. He had been
a resident of West Newton for the greater part of his life and was well know
in that community. Besides his wife, he is survived by the folllowing children:
Mrs Roger Dove of Masontown, Mrs J. C. Snyder of Connellsville, Mrs
William Wingrove of Broad Ford, Mrs Wilbur Stickle and Mrs Alex Kelly of
Dawson, Mrs William Hisson, Mrs Birdie Fisher and Mrs Clarence Trump of
West Newton. He is also survived by one sister, Mrs Anna Ward of McKeesport,
25 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. The body of Mr Biddle was removed
to his home this afternoon.
Daily Courier, thurs, Sept 1, 1927, page 6

John Frank BIELAWSKI ( -1996)

John F. Bielawski

John Frank Bielawski, 79, of Stroal Acres, Allenport Borough,
and a native of Granville, Pa., died Thursday, Dec. 19, 1996,
in Canonsburg Hospital, Canonsburg. He is survived by his wife
with whom he celebrated their 56th wedding anniversary in June,
Margaret Helen Mihalek Bielawski; three children: Marge
Bielawski Farquhar and husband, Merle, of Allenport, Barbara
Bielawski Cupec and husband, Eddie, of Erie, and John C.
Bielawski of Allenport; three grandsons; three granddaughters;
and nine great-grandchildren. He was the last surviving member
of his immediate family. The family will receive friends in
the Ed Melenyzer Funeral Home Inc., 1008 Furlong Ave., Roscoe,
today from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. and Monday until 9:30a.m.

Local newspaper, Fayette County, PA,
December, 1996

Contributed by Marilyn Tolentino <
SFFoster at aol.com>

Walter C. 'Whitey' BIELECKI (1921-2005)

Walter C. "Whitey" Bielecki, 83, of South Connellsville, Pa., passed
away Wednesday, Feb. 23, 2005, in Highlands Hospital. He was born
Nov. 24, 1921, in Uniontown, Pa., a son of the late John and Anna
Biena Bielecki. He was a member of St. John's Evangelist R. C.
Church in Connellsville. Whitey was the owner of Whitey's Cut Rate
Convenience Store for 18 years and then Bielecki's Bar for 18 years,
both on the West Side of Connellsville. He was also formerly
employed at the former Penn Francis Hotel in Mount Pleasant, for
several years. He was a World War II U.S. Army veteran, having
served throughout Central America in Guatamala, Panama and
Nicaraugia. Whitey loved gardening and enjoyed the outdoors.

He is survived by his wife, Flora Mae Pfeifer Bielecki, to whom he
was married for 52 years; a son, James Bielecki and wife, Barbara of
Connellsville; three daughters, Jane Ann Bielecki of Uniontown, Rose
Mary Flannery and husband, Gary of Moon Township, and Jean Louise
Todd of Bridgeville; six grandchildren; two sisters, Mary Melago of
Mount Pleasant, and Sophie Bielecki of Greensburg; four brothers,
Joseph Bielecki and wife, Josephine, John Bielecki and Edward
Bielecki and wife, Lillian, all of Mount Pleasant, and Mitchell
Bielecki of Missouri; and a sister-in-law, Sophie Bielecki of Mount
Pleasant. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by two
brothers, Frank and Stanley Bielecki; and three sisters, Josephine
Kalb, Helen Bielecki and Nellie Tryce.

Friends will be received in the VITO C. MARTUCCI FUNERAL HOME, 123
South First St., West Side Connellsville, on Friday from 2 to 4 and
6 to 9 p.m. A Blessing Service will be held on Saturday at 9:30
a.m., in the funeral home, followed by a Funeral Mass at 10 a.m., in
St. John's Evangelist R. C. Church, with the Rev. Fr. John Butler as
celebrant. Interment will follow in St. Pius Church Cemetery in
Mount Pleasant. A Parish Wake Service will be held Friday afternoon
at 3 p.m., in the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, the family
requests monetary gifts be sent to St. John's Evangelist R. C.
Church rectory, 908 West Crawford Ave., Connellsville, PA 15425, or
the American Heart Association.

Angeline R. Bieleski

Angeline R. Bieleski, age 80, of Warden Street, Mount Pleasant,
died Tuesday, July 16, 1996, at Frick Hospital and Community
Health Center, Mount Pleasant. Friends will be received in the
GALONE-CARUSO FUNERAL HOME INC., 204 Eagle St., Mount Pleasant,
from 12 to 9 p.m. today. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at
11 a.m. Saturday in St. Pius X R.C. Church. Interment will be
in St. Pius X Parish Cemetery, Mount Pleasant. Our Lady of
Mount Carmel Society will conduct services tonight at 7 p.m.
and a parish wake service will be held Friday at 8 p.m., all in
the funeral home

Local newspaper, Fayette County, PA,
July, 1996

Contributed by Marilyn Tolentino <
SFFoster at aol.com>

Anna Nevada BIELSTEIN ( -1995)

Anna N. Bielstein

Anna Nevada (Swink) Bielstein, 97, of Connellsville died on
Wednesday, Dec. 6, 1995. She is survived by two sons, William
Bielstein of Normalville and John Bielstein of Connellsville;
two daughters, Ms. Mary Ellen Geyer of Port St. Lucie, Fla.,
and Mrs. Dorothy Yothers of Somerset; 19 grandchildren; 36
great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; a brother,
Emerson Swink of Bullskin Township; and a sister, Hazel Clark
of Bullskin Township. Friends will be received in the Paul G.
Fink Funeral Home, Inc. 418 North Pittsburgh St.,
Connellsville, today from 7 to 9 p.m., Friday from 10 a.m. to 9
p.m., and Saturday until 1 p.m.

Local newspaper, Fayette County, PA,
December, 1995

Contributed by Marilyn Tolentino <
SFFoster at aol.com>

Cornelia BIERBOWER ( -1962)

BIERBOWER, CORNELIA MAE—
Aged 80, E. Main St., died in the Spear
Convalescent Home, Markleysburg, Thursday afternoon, April 25, 1962.
She was a member of the Third Presbyterian Church and was a former
clerk of Metzler’s and the former Hatfield & Hook Store. She was
predeceased by her husband, Scott Bierbower. She is survived by two
sons, Cornelius W., Detroit, Mich.; Guy J., Waverly, O.; seven
grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren. Friends are being received
in the J. Harry Johnston & Sons Funeral Home, 65 N. Gallatin Ave.,
where services will be held today at 2 p.m. The Rev. Benjamin F.
McLuckie will officiate. Interment will be in Park Place Cemetery.

Edwin Ray Bierbower, age 86, of Hopwood, Pennsylvania passed away
peacefully at home on Thursday, April 8, 2010 surrounded by his
loving Family. He was born June 23, 1923 in Clifton Mills, West
Virginia, the son of Howard and Carolyn (Ditmore) Bierbower.
"Ray" proudly served his country during World War II with the United
States Army 903rd Anti-Aircraft Artillery Battalion at the rank of
Staff Sergeant. He retired from United States Steel Corporation's
Maple Creek Mine. "Ray" was a member of the United Mine Workers of
America Local Union 1248, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 47 and
American Legion Post 51 both in Uniontown and George C. Marshall
AMVETS Post 103 in Hopwood.

Friends will be received in the STEPHEN R. HAKY FUNERAL HOME INC.,
603 North Gallatin Avenue Extension, Uniontown, Pennsylvania today
from 1 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. and on Monday, April 12, 2010, until 11
a.m., the hour of Service with the Rev. Paul Frank officiating.
Entombment will follow in the Chapel of Memories Mausoleum at Sylvan
Heights Cemetery where Military Honors will be accorded by the
Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 47.

Fred B. "Pete" Bierbower, age 74, of Uniontown, Pa., passed away
Monday, February 16, 2004 in Uniontown Hospital. He was born April
14, 1928 in Uniontown, Pa., the son of Fred and Cora (Boring)
Bierbower. "Pete" graduated from Uniontown High School and was
retired from Rhodes and White Plumbing. He was a member of Third
Presbyterian Church and the John Knox Bible Class, also Laurel Lodge
No. 651 F. & A. M. and the B. P. O. Elks No. 370.He was preceded in
death by his brother, Robert "Bumps" Bierbower (December 2002) and
parents. He is survived by a cousin, Mary Cramer of Uniontown;
special friends: Edith Osburn and Lois Hiles both of Uniontown; and
his faithful dog "Cricket". Arrangements have been entrusted to the
ANDREW D. FERGUSON FUNERAL HOME INC., 80 Morgantown Street,
Uniontown, Pa. The Family will receive Friends in the Funeral Home
on Wednesday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Visitation will continue on
Thursday, February 19, from 10 a.m. until 11 a.m., the time of
Service with the Rev. William D. Rodahaver officiating. Interment
will follow in Sylvan Heights Cemetery, Uniontown. John Knox Bible
Class will conduct Services in the Funeral Home on Wednesday at 3:30
p.m.

FREDERICK BIERBOWER

Frederick Bierbower, aged 45, died suddenly at 10:15 p.m. Thursday,
October 15, 1931, at his residence, 120 Evans street, a short time
after returning from the Fayette Title & Trust building where, for
the past two years, he has been employed as chief electrician. Death
was due to a heart attack. He was born June 23, 1886, the son of
James and Mary E. Bierbower and is survived by his widow, Mrs. Cora
Mae Bierbower; two sons, Robert E. and Frederick, Jr.; one brother,
Robert E., of Uniontown. For more than 25 years Mr. Bierbower was
employed as an electrician for the H. C. Frick Coke Company. He was
a member of Fayette Lodge No. 228, F. & A. M., Uniontown Lodge of
Perfection and the Pittsburgh Consistory. He was also a member of
the Third Presbyterian church and the John Knox Class of that Sunday
school. Funeral services will be held at the late residence, Sunday
afternoon at 2:30 in charge of Rev E. A. Hodil. Burial will be in
Sylvan Heights.

BIERBOWER, HOWARD HENRY—
Age 86, of Hopwood Crossing, Hopwood,
died Wednesday, December 17, 1969, in the Uniontown Hospital.
He was born February 3, 1884 in Gibbon Glade, W.Va. He was
predeceased by his wife, Carolyn in 1964. He is survived by
the following children, Mrs. Arthur (Laura) Martin Barber of
Levittstown, Pa., Mrs. Laurence (Garnet) Martin of Greensburg,
Pa., Mrs. George (Doris) Litman of Fairfax, Virginia, Mrs.
Andrew (Margaret) Johnson, Uniontown, Mrs. James (Betty Jane)
Whoolery, Annandale, Virginia, the following sons: E. Ray
Bierbower of Hopwood, Howard W. Bierbower of Baltimore, Md.,
Hugh S. Bierbower of Belpre, Ohio, Richard W. of Uniontown,
twelve grandchildren, the following sisters, Mrs. Lillian
Palcko, Nemacolin, Pa.; Mrs. Viola Smitley of Hopwood Crossing,
Mrs. Francis Gelman of California. He was a member of the
First Brethren Church, and a retired Fayette County Courthouse
employee. Friends will be received in the Harry E. Corl
Funeral Home, 114 E. Fayette St., (Successor to Harold S.
Gleason) today from 7 to 9 and Friday from 3 to 5 and 7 to 9
p.m., and Saturday until 1 p.m., when services will be held
with Rev. True L. Hunt officiating. Interment in Oak Lawn
Cemetery.

MRS. WILLIAM BIERBOWER

Mrs. Isabel Bierbower, 24 years old, of Uniontown, died Monday
afternoon in the Uniontown Hospital following an operation for
appendicitis. Besides her husband, William Bierbower, she is
survived by one son, two months old, her father, Henry Osler; also
four sisters, Edna Osler at home, Mrs. Harry Hoon of Smithfield,
Levada Osler and Mrs. Harold Hamilton of Youngstown, Ohio, and two
brothers, Shriver Osler of Hopwood and Willie Osler of Uniontown.
Mrs. Bierbower was a sister-in-law of Mrs. Willis Osler, who will be
remembered as Miss Marion Grey, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. J. E. Grey
of Connellsville. She had a number of friends here.

MARLENE BIERBOWER

Marlene Kay Bierbower, four years old, daughter of Howard and
Carolyn Bierbower of Uniontown, R. D. 2, near Hopwood, died Sunday
at Uniontown Hospital. Surviving are the parents, three brothers,
five sisters, and a grandmother, Mrs. John Dittmore of Lemont
Furnace. The funeral service will be held at 2 o’clock Tuesday
afternoon at the home with additional rites at the Church of the
Brethren at Uniontown.

BIERBOWER, ROBERT E.—
Aged 77, of 120 Evans St., died in his
residence, Monday morning, June 13, 1960. He was a member of the
Calvary Methodist Church and Laurel Lodge 651, F. & A. M. He served
as domestic buyer for the former Rosenbaum Bros. Store, for thirty-
three years and later was employed by Pennsylvania Department of
Highways, retiring in 1955. He is survived by his wife, Reba Blaney
Bierbower; two children, James E., Uniontown; Mrs. Barbara Ann
Bierer, East Liverpool, O. Friends will be received at J. Harry
Johnston & Sons, 65 N. Gallatin Ave., today from 2-5 and 7-10 until
Wednesday at 2 p.m., the hour of service. The Rev. Howard W. Brown
will officiate. Interment will be in Park Place Cemetery. Friends
are asked to please omit flowers. Laurel Lodge 651 F. & A. M. will
conduct ritualistic services this evening at 7:30 in the funeral
home.

Death notice for Winfield Scott Bierbower, husband of Cornelia Mae,
appeared in the
Daily News Standard, Uniontown, PA, March 28, 1914.
Complete text is not currently available.

Information obtained from the Obit Index of the
Pennsylvania Room of the Uniontown Public Library

Contributed by Marilyn Tolentino <
SFFoster at aol.com>

Ada Marie BIERER ( -1996)

Ada M. Bierer

Ada Marie Heinze Bierer, 51, of Dilliner, Pa., died Monday,
July 1, 1996, at the residence of her sister at Cornish Works,
Pa. She is survived by two daughters, Blanche Marie Riley of
Garards Fort, Pa., and Kimberly Ann Bierer of Pentress, W. Va.;
two sons, Donald Bierer of Smithfield, Pa., and Gail Wayne
Bierer of Carmichaels, Pa.; two brothers, Arthur Ralph Heinze
Jr., of Everettville, W. Va., and Jackie ray Heinze of Buffalo,
N.Y.; three sisters, Mrs. Richard (Gladys) Donaldson of
Smithfield, Pa., Mrs. Jackie (Mary) Donaldson of Boston, N.Y.,
and Mrs. Jack (Judith) Drain of National, W. Va.; and 12
grandchildren. Friends may call at the Fred L. Jenkins Funeral
Home this evening from 7 to 8 p.m., the hour of service. In
lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the family.

DR. EDGAR BIERER

Dr. Edgar Gorley Bierer, 69, of Uniontown, a retired
optometrist, died suddenly at 6:30 a.m. Sunday, shortly after
his admission to Uniontown Hospital. He had suffered a heart
attack about 4 a.m. He was a son of the late W.s. and Emma
Carroll Bierer. A graduate of Bowman Institute of Technology
at Lancaster, he was a former jeweler in California, Pa., and
practiced optometry in McKeesport, Pittsburgh and Irwin prior
to his retirement and return to Uniontown in 1955. He was a
member of Asbury Methodist Church. Surviving are two sisters,
Helen Bierer and Mrs. Hazel Caton, and one brother, John C.
Bierer, all of Uniontown. The funeral service will be
conducted at 3:30 p.m. Tuesday at the Johnston funeral home in
Uniontown, with Dr. A.J. Howes officiating, and burial will be
in Oak Grove Cemetery.

Henry Y. BIERER died in 1929. His obit was contributed to the Fayette County USGenWeb
Project.(5)

BIERER, HENRY Y.
Funeral services for Henry Y. BIERER will be held in the parents home in
the Fairchance-Hopwood road this afternoon at 2:30 oclock with the Rev.
Burr R. McKnight, pastor of the Asbury Methodist Episcopal church, Uniontown,
officiating. Burial will be in Oak Grove cemetery.
Weekly News Mon. 2-18-1929

Lucretia Yardley BIERER died in 1945. Her obit was contributed to the Fayette County
USGenWeb Project.(41)

Morning Herald 24 July 1945, p. 2, col. 1
Bierer, Lucretia Yardley, aged 79 years, died in her home, Hopwood- Fairchance
Road Monday Evening July 23, 1945 at 8:10 o'clock. She was a member of
the Calvary Methodist Church. Surviving are her husband, Charles D. Bierer
and the following children: Mrs. Retta King of Huntington, W. Va., Mrs. Mary
Hillings, Elmer E. and Stewart D. Bierer, of Uniontown, Charles E. and Daniel
W. Bierer of Monongahela, Howard E. Bierer of Leechburg, one sister, Mrs. Elmer
Dunn of Uniontown, 26 grandchildren and 24 great-granchildren. She was
preceded in death by two sons, Robert W. and Henry Y. Bierer. Funeral arrangements
under the direction of the A.D. Ferguson Funeral Home, Uniontown are incomplete.
Morning Herald July 24, 1945, p. 2, col. 1
Bierer, Lucretia Yardley - Friends are being received in the A. D. Ferguson Funeral
Home Morgantown Street, Uniontown, where services will be held Thursday afternoon,
July 26 at 2 o'clock with Rev. Allen of the Calvary Methodist Church officiating.
Interment in Oak Grove Cemetery.

Lydia McGill BIERER
(1871-1942)

MRS. LYDIA BIERER DIES AT
HER HOME

Rites Will Be Held On Sunday

Mrs. Lydia McGill Bierer, aged 76, died suddenly at 9:45 Wednesday
morning, December 17, 1947, at the family residence, 151
Connellsville Street. Mrs. Bierer appeared to be in regular health
yesterday morning. She was an early riser, generally about 4 a.m.
She worked about the house until 9 a.m. and went to the grocery,
returning about 9:35. Her son Charles always stopped several times
each day to visit her. When he arrived about 9:40 he discovered she
had passed quietly away in a rocking chair.

Mrs. Bierer was born in Carmichaels and had been a resident of
Uniontown more than 57 years. She was a member of The Great Bethel
Baptist Church. Surviving are three sons; Thomas W., Charles F. and
Donald; three daughters, Mrs. Thomas (Pauline) Conn, Mrs. William
(Martha) Prempert and Mrs. Andrew (Jean) Mehall of this city; one
brother, James McGill, of McClellandtown; two sisters, Mrs. Mary
Bierer, Uniontown and Jennie McGill of Masontown also 18 grandchildren
and five great-grandchildren.

Friends are being received at the home of a son, Thomas, 22 Gordon
Street, where services will be held at 2:30 Sunday afternoon. Dr.
Carey S. Osborne of the Great Bethel Baptist Church will be the
officiating clergyman. Burial will be Oak Grove Cemetery, under
the direction of the Minerd Funeral Home.

MISS BIERER’S RITES

The funeral service for Miss Mary R. Bierer, 83, who died early
Friday at her home at Uniontown, will be held at the Ferguson
funeral home at Uniontown at 2:30 P.M. Sunday. Dr. W. B. Hogg
will officiate. Burial will be made in Oak Grove Cemetery

Dorthy L. Bierhals, 65 of Bethel Park ,formerly of Scottdale,
passed away Wednesday, Aug. 23, 2000, in the UPMC Presbyterain
Hospital, Pittsburgh. She was born Oct. 30, 1934 in
Connellsville, the daughter of the late Nicholas and Alverda
Kropp Sanner. Dorothy had bee a rsident of Scottdale sincew
1973 and had formerly worked as a waitress, cook for the
Scottdale Firemnan's Hall for many years. She was also a
member of the Scottdale American legion Ladies Auxiliary and
she was a member of the Everson Evangelical Church of North
America. She is survived by her loving children, Connie Sheply
of Latrobe, Joseph Bierhals and his wife Joyce of Scottdale and
Michael Bierhals of Youngwood; a brother John Santmyer of
Connellsville; her sisters, Nancy Macovitz of Austintown, Ohio
and Mary Love and her husband Donald "Glenn" of Tarrs; a
special friend Frank Zoracki of Everson and several nieces and
nephews. In addition to her parents she was predeceased by her
husband, John B. Bierhals; a brother Eugene "Ray" Sanner; a
sister, Betty Jean Kessler.
Friends will be received inthe Brooks Funeral Home Inc. 111 E.
Green Stree , Connellsville, today fron 7 to 9 p.m. and Friday
from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. A funeral service will be held
Saturday at 11 a.m. in the funeral home. A committal service
and internment will follow in Eustey Cemetery.

Alice Nadine Bigam, 66, of Mill Run, passed away Sunday,
May 12, 2002, in Highlands Hospital, and went to be
with her Lord. She was born Nov. 1, 1935, in Confluence,
a daughter of the late George and Myrtle Mae Smith Elliott.
Alice was a member of Mill Run United Methodist Church.
She graduated from Turkeyfoot High School in 1953. She
then attended Business College in Cumberland, Md. She
was formerly employed at Selective Risk Insurance in
Somerset and also Sears and Roebuck Catalog Store in
Connellsville for several years.

Alice dearly loved her family and remained ever so close to
them. She enjoyed many activities especially dancing.
Humoring her many friends and family at times would
bring delight to Alice and a smile on her face. After
graduating from high school to present day, Alice remained
active on her class committee assisting on each class
reunion.

Alice is survived by her loving husband, Hughey R.
Bigam to whom she was married 48 years; her loving
children, two daughters, Cheryl A. Pritts and husband
William of Indian Head, Tracy E. Porterfield and her
husband, Ben of Mill Run; a son, Todd E. Bigam of
Morgantown, W. Va.; five grandchildren, Roger Lee
Shipley II and fiancé Christine Bitner, Darren R.
Shipley and wife Bobbi J. and Laurie Shipley, all of
Somerset, Elizabeth A. Porterfield and Nathan C.
Porterfield of Mill Run; a brother, Eugene "Duke" Elliott
and his wife, Faye of Washington, Indiana; two sisters,
Mary Crowall of Confluence and Grace Cole of Lorraine,
Ohio.

Alice was predeceased by six brothers, Howard, Ray,
Bob, George, William and Floyd "Pete" Elliott; two sisters,
Ethel Wade and an infant sister, Betty Elliott.

Friends will be received in the VITO C. MARTUCCI FUNERAL
HOME, 123 S. First St., West Side, Connellsville, today
from noon to 9 p.m. and Thursday until 11 a.m., the hour
of the service with Pastor Thomas Bonomo officiating.
Interment will follow in Normalville Cemetery.

Hughey R. Bigam, 77, of Mill Run, died Saturday, June 12,
2010, in Eicher's Personal Care Home, Normalville. He
was born Dec. 24, 1932, in Mill Run, a son of the late
Ishmael and Dora Arsenberger Hart. He was retired from
US Steel, Homestead, having 32 years of service as a
millwright. He was an Army veteran. Hughey was well-known
throughout the community for singing karaoke. He was an
avid outdoorsman, especially when it came to fishing, hunting
and gardening. He was also a member of Donegal American
Legion Post 941.

He is survived by two daughters, Cheryl A. Pritts and
her husband, William, of Indian Head, and Tracey E.
Porterfield and her husband, Ben, of Mill Run; a son,
Todd E. Bigam and his wife, Sharon, of Morgantown, W.Va.;
five grandchildren, Roger Lee Shipley III, of Greensburg,
Darren R. Shipley and his wife, Bobbi, of Somerset, Laurie
Lewis and her husband, Kristopher, of Mill Run, Elizabeth A.
Porterfield and Nathan Porterfield, of Mill Run; two
great-grandchildren, Taylor and Michael, of Mill Run;
three brothers, William Bigam, of Mill Run, Roger Bigam
and his wife, Virginia, of Harrisburg, and Robert Bigam
and his wife, Winnie, of Farmington; and five sisters,
Agnes Shipley, of Mill Run, Marian Serovy, of Cedar
Rapids, Iowa, Ruth Brezo and her husband, Charles, of
New Derry, Darelene Firestone and her husband, William,
of Mill Run, and Adeline "Sis" Anthony, of New Alexanderia.

In addition to his parents, Hughey was predeceased by his
wife of 48 years, Alice N. Bigam; stepfather, Alec Hart;
and two brothers, Freddie Hart and Thomas Bigam.

Friends will be received from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday,
from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday and until 11 a.m., the
hour of service, Wednesday in the VITO C. MARTUCCI FUNERAL
HOME, 123 S. First St., West Side, Connellsville, with Pastor
Thomas Bonomo officiating. Interment will follow in
Normalville Cemetery. A military funeral will be conducted
by members of Donegal American Legion Post 941 and VFW Post
6743. Hughey's family would like to thank the staff of
Eicher's Personal Care Home for the wonderful care that
was given to him and his family.

JOYCE A. BIGAM

Joyce A. Bigam, 55, of Mill Run died Thursday, Jan. 11, 1996,
at home. She was born June 15, 1940, in Trafford, a daughter
of the late Walter W. and Viola V. Louderback King. She
graduated from Connellsville Joint Senior High School in 1958.
She was a Methodist by faith. She retired from Bigam Antiques
in Mill Run, where she had been a co-owner with her husband.
She was a member of the Independent Slovak Citizens Club in
Connellsville and the Independent Business Service Association.
She is survived by her husband, William T. Bigam, to whom she
was married 30 years; a brother, Clyde King and wife Patty of
Connellsville; and two sisters, Bayonne King of Connellsville
and Mrs. Joseph (Lynette) Maddas of Connellsville. In addition
to her parents, she was predeceased by two sons, Matthew Troy
Bigam and Robert Curtis Hamilton Jr. Friends will be received
today and Saturday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. in the VITO C.
MARTUCCI FUNERAL HOME, 123 S. First St., West Side,
Connellsville, and Sunday until 1:30 p.m., the hour of service,
with the Rev. Michael Sciberras officiating. Interment will
follow in Indian Creek Baptist Church Cemetery in Mill Run.

Local newspaper, Fayette County, PA,
Friday, January 12, 1996

Contributed by Marilyn Tolentino <
SFFoster at aol.com>

Linda L. BIGAM ( - )

Linda Bigam

Linda L. Bigam, 49, of Mill Run, R.D. 1, died Sunday at her
home. Surviving are her husband, Charles David Bigam; one
son, Mark Bigam at home; one stepson, Michael Bigam of
Columbus, Ohio; one step-daughter, Mrs. Kenneth (Christine)
Nicholson Jr. of Normalville; three step-grandchildren; one
sister, Diana Lee of the state of Indiana; one half-sister,
Mrs. Merle (Cheryl Ann) Arnold of Pueblo, Colo.; and one
stepsister, Diana Key of Winchester, Ind. Private funeral
services will be held Thursday under the direction of the
Brooks Funeral Home, Inc., 111 E. Green St., Connellsville.

Local newspaper, Fayette County, PA,
Date unknown

Contributed by Marilyn Tolentino <
SFFoster at aol.com>

Todd Edwin BIGAM (1958-2012)

Todd E. BigamCONWAY, S.C.FORMERLY OF MILL RUN

Todd Edwin Bigam, 53, of Conway, S. C., formerly of Mill Run,
passed away Friday, June 29, 2012, in Agape Health Care Center.
He was born Sept. 24, 1958, in Connellsville, a son of the late
Hughie and Alice Nadeen (Elliott) Bigam. He was a Navy
veteran. His wife was his everything that he loved so much.
He loved to talk. He talked to people he knew or didn’t know;
also liked to tell everything he knew to anyone and everyone.
He liked to fish and hunt. He liked to compliment people, as
he did his wife often. He liked watching movies, the History
channels or cooking programs. He also liked “Are You Smarter
Than a Fifth Grader”, which he found to be educational. He
also liked to watch “George,” “I Love Lucy” and some of the
older TV programs. He liked to talk about his younger days,
about the places he’d been and some of the things that happened
to him in the past. He was a very good worker. He could work
circles around younger people and wanted to work even after he
found out he had cancer. He was eager to get things done and
would motivate others to do things also. He never needed an
alarm clock to wake up. He always liked going somewhere and
never liked staying home. He helped around the house, inside
and outside, and enjoyed gardening, cooking and made great
tasting BBQ sauce and burritos. He loved his Chihuahua dog.
He wanted to travel to other states and around the world. He
had so many places to go and things to do with his wife, but
unfortunately, time ran out. Now, since he passed I’m sure
he’ll be watching over his loved ones and friends. Just
because he’s gone, he will not be forgotten and he will be
loved forever. He is survived by his wife, Sharon Baker Bigam;
sisters, Cheryl Bigam Pritts and husband Bill, and Tracy Bigam
Porterfield and husband, Ben, all of Mill Run; nephews, roger
L. Shipley, Darren Shipley and wife, Bobbi Jo, and Nathan
Porterfield; nieces, Laurie Lewis and Bethann Porterfield;
great-nephew, Michael Lewis; and great-niece, Taylor Crouse.
The family will receive friends from noon to 1 p.m. Friday at
Indian Creek Baptist Church in Mill Run, where a service will
be held at 1 p.m. with Pastor Randy Newell officiating.
Interment will follow in Normalville Cemetery. Military
services will be conducted at graveside. Arrangements are
under the direction of the VITO C. MARTUCCI FUNERAL HOME, 123
S. first St., West Side, Connellsville (724-628-9033).

MOUNTAIN MATTERS

Notes from Normalville and Other Parts
of Springfield Township.

Another old war veteran has answered the last roll call. David
Bigham died Monday afternoon, November 16th, aged about 81
years. He was a private in Company H, One Hunded and Forty
Second Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, and was
pronounced by all his comrades to be a brave and faithful
soldier. He drew a pension for disabilities incurred in the
service, he having been totally disabled for the last year or
more. About two weeks ago Dr. McClenathan of Connellsville
came up and examined him for increase of pension, but Bigam,
it is hoped, is reaping his reward in Heaven. Deceased was a
consistent member of the United Brethren Church for many
years. The interment took place at the United Brethren
Cemetery, Normalville, Wednesday at 11 A. M. Rev. W. H. Artez,
assisted by Revs. McClay and Sanner conducted the exercises.
The funeral was a large one. War veterans Josiah S. Murray,
Frederick Miller, W. H. Showman, Daniel Nickelson, Andrew
Johnston and Martin Miner represented the G. A. R., and
civilians George Kern, Elmer Brooks, Henry Bauerer, John
Sanner, Jacob M. Murray and William N. Grimm acted as pall
bearers. The choir rendered some very appropriate music.
Bigham was loved and respected by all who knew him. He leaves
an aged wife, who has the sympathy of the entire community in
her great loss.

F. E. BIGHAM

Frank E. Bigham, 85, of Mill Run, died unexpectedly at 2 a.m.
today in his home. He was born May 27, 1877, at Mill Run, a
son of the late Evans and Sarah Rowan Bigham, and had been a
lifelong resident of Mill Run. He and Florence Sherbondy were
married Sept. 29, 1900, and observed their 62nd wedding
anniversary this year. He served for many years as a forest
fire warden, and was awarded a life membership in the Forest
Fire Wardens’ Assn. The state Dept. of Forests and Waters in
Sept., 1947, honored him for 25 years of service. He was a
member of the Mill Run E. U. B. Church and its Gleaners Sunday
School Class. Surviving in addition to his widow are nine
sons, I. Troy Bigham, Ronald C. Bigam, Doyle H. Bigham, Anton
L. Bigham and Worth S. Bigham of Normalville, Darrell E.
Bigham of Mill Run, Effin H. Bigam of Uniontown, Frank Bigham
of Sunnyvale, Calif., and Rockwell V. Bigham in military
service; three daughters, Mrs. Emogene Craig and Mrs. Betty
McClain of Normalville and Mrs. Florence Shearer of Mill Run;
42 grandchildren; 42 great-grandchildren, and a brother, Harry
R. Bigham of Mill Run. The body will be at the Brooks funeral
home at Indian Head after 11 a.m. Saturday. The funeral
service will be held there at 2 p.m. Monday, with the Rev.
Robert Blank officiating, assisted by the Rev. James Siefried.
Interment will be in Normalville Cemetery.

Irene Bigham, 83, of Mill Run and Normalville, died Monday,
May 24, 2004, in UPMC Passavant Hospital. She was born June
19, 1920, in Indian Head. Mrs. Bigham was a resident of the
Mill Run and Normalville areas for all of her life. Early in
her life, she was employed at the Anchor Hocking Corp. She was
a lifelong member of the Mill Run United Methodist Church
where she was a Sunday school teacher. She is survived by a
son, Walter "Wally" Bigham and his wife, Shari, of Mars; three
grandchildren, Nicole, Michele and Troy, and three brothers,
Delbert Peck and his wife, Ann, of Glenwilard, Ronald Peck of
Normalville and Larry Peck and his wife, Sue, of Mill Run. In
addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her husband,
Doyle H. Bigham in 1972; two brothers, Merle Peck and infant
brother Ivan, and two sisters, Bernice Pilarcik and Joy
Zavatsky. Friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m.
Thursday in the CLYDE BROOKS FUNERAL HOME INC., Route 711,
Melcroft, where services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday with
the Rev. Thomas Bonomo officiating. Interment will follow in
the Normalville Cemetery.

ROCKWELL, V. BIGHAM, MAJOR, U.S. ARMY RET.—,
80, of
Connellsville, passed away Tuesday August 22, 2000. Friends
will be received in the Brooks Funeral Home, 111 E. Green
Street, Connellsville today from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. A
memorial service will be held Saturday at 11 a.m. at the
gravesite. Interment will follow in Normalville Cemetery.
Military Rites will be conducted at the grave.

Master Sgt. (Ret.) Thomas F. Bigham, Sr., 74, of San Antonio,
Texas, went to be with the Lord on July 30, 2007. He will meet
his wife, Caroline, to whom he was married for 46 years. He
was born in Michigan, and had lived in Normalville from age 16
until he entered the Army. He was a Connellsville High
School graduate. Thomas was a past master of the Randolph
Lodge No. 1268 in Schertz, Texas, and a life member of VFW
Post No. 4676 in Universal City, Texas. Thomas served 23 years
in the U.S. Army before receiving an honorable discharge in
order to pursue his master's degree in criminal justice from
Southwest Texas University. He then served several years as a
hearing officer for the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles.
Thomas was the son of Ishmael Troy Bigham and Adeline Fenton
Bigham, both deceased. Thomas is survived by sons, Thomas
Jr., Tim, Brett and David; a daughter, Margaret; sisters,
Marion, Ruth, and Adelyne; and brothers, William, Hughey,
Robert, and Roger.

Virginia N. Bigham, 78, of Normalville, Fayette County, Pa.,
died Friday, January 16, 2009, at her home. She was born Dec.
27, 1930, in Mt. Pleasant, Westmoreland County, Pa., a
daughter of the late Reed Hill and Jean Morgan Newill.
Virginia was a graduate of Connellsville High School, in
Fayette County, Pa., Class of 1948. She was formerly employed
by Seven Springs Mountain Resort, and she also served as tax
collector for Springfield Township for many years. She was a
member of the Order of the Amaranth, of Mt. Pleasant, and was
an active member of Normalville United Methodist Church. She
is survived by her children, Reed Bigham and his wife, Sheryl,
of Bear Rocks, Pa., Jane Sandusky and her husband, Paul, of
Connellsville, Ginny Knight and her husband, Jack, of Greer,
S.C., Kenneth E. Bigham and his wife, Donna J., of Mill Run,
Fayette County, Pa., Kevin Bigham, of Normalville, Nancy
Culver and her husband, Ron, of Normalville, and Frank Bigham
and his special friend, Donna, of Normalville; 20
grandchildren, Danielle Puchi and her husband, Eugene,
Bridgette Lowry and her husband, Andy, Christopher Bigham and
his wife, Stacy, Courtney Hixson and her husband, Dwane,
Andrew Culver and his wife, Stephanie, Adam Culver and his
wife, Heidi, Gregg Culver, Matthew Knight, Michael Knight and
his wife, Cassie, Mark Knight and his wife, Casey, John Knight
and his wife, Amanda, Amanda Bigham, Alexandra Bigham, Jared
Bigham, Tyler Bigham, Luke Bigham, Philip Culver, William
Culver, Victoria Culver and Zachary Bigham; 15 great-
grandchildren, Kiersten, Jada and Gianna Puchi, Payton and
Laney Lowry, Courtland and Sierra Cooper, Ethan Bigham, Haden
and Cicily Culver, Jack, Charlotte, Harrison, Luke and Ava
Knight; an aunt, Janice Goodwin and her husband, William, of
Jefferson Hills, Pa.; a brother and sister-in-law, Leasure and
Janet Bigham, of Normalville; special friends, Lois and
Randall Firestone, of Normalville; and numerous nieces and
nephews. In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by
two sons, Roland and Worth Greg Bigham; and an infant brother,
Reed M. Newill. Friends will be received from 7 to 9 p.m.
Saturday and from 2 to 9 p.m. Sunday in the CLYDE BROOKS
FUNERAL HOME, INC., Route 711, Melcroft, Fayette County, Pa.,
where services will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, with the Rev.
Mark Sholtis, officiating. Interment will follow in
Normalville Cemetery, in Normalville.

JOHN BIGLEY

DUNBAR, May 23—
John Bigley, 68, died Sunday morning at his home
at Mahoning, near here. He had been ill for several years. He
was a miner. The following brothers and sisters survive: Mrs.
John Carr, Rinnersburg; Terrence Bigley, of Latrobe; Ellen
Bigley, Pittsburgh, and Hannah Bigley, at home. Funeral
services will be held from the home Tuesday at 8:30 o’clock.
Interment at Dunbar.

Note from descendant of Joseph Bigley: Proper spelling is Bigley. Newspaper
misprinted name as Begley.

Contributed by Lois J Bigley <
ljbigley at yahoo.com>

THE LIVING AND THE ENTOMBED

Who Were Actors in The Sad
Tragedy That made Twenty Homes Fatherless

THE LUCKY ONES WHO ESCAPED THE FLAME OF DEATH
And Made Their Way through the Choking Gas of the Man-way to
Home And Anxious Friends Outside

A LIST OF THOSE WHO MET DEATH IN ITS MOST HORRIBLE FORM
Who the Entombed Miners Were, Where and How They Lived and
the Legacies Death Bequeathed to Their Families
A MUMBLE OF WIVES, SISTERS, MOTHERS AND ORPHANS DEPRIVED
OF SUPPORT

Of the 51 miners who were in the mine at the time of the accident,
30 escaped through the man-way on the left side of the main
slope. The fortunate were as follows, William Landy and two
sons, William and Morris Jones, and William Yates, Barney and
John Cosgrove, Patrick and Terrance Begley, who are brothers
of Richard and Joseph Begley, two of the entombed unfortunates,
Maurice Pine, James Miller, John McGuill, John Kerwin, Edward
Condron, John Boyd, Thos Kelly, George Lowry, James Murphy and
Thomas Shearen. The miners who were in the right heading number
31. Their names were as follows:

THE VICTIMS
Something About Them, Their Families,
Homes and Circumstances

The unfortunate men were residents of Dunbar and vicinity. They
were chiefly of English Irish and Scotch descent, no Hungarians
or Poles having ever been employed at these works. Many of them
owned their neat little homes and those who were not native born
were naturalized. They were a frugal honest body of workmen,
and were above the average miners in intelligence and thrift.
They were personally known to nearly every resident of Dunbar
and vicinity. Almost all were married and fathers of families
ranging in numbers from one to ten children. The following gives
more in detail the condition of the families left fatherless by
the sad calamity.

Article includes individual accounts for each victim. For complete
text, see
David Davis.

Joseph and Richard Begley were brothers. The former had recently
purchased a lot of ground from Bliss & Marshall, at Pechin
station, and had the foundation for a little home almost
completed. He was about thirty years of age and leaves a wife
and two children. Richard made his home with his father, Joseph
Begley, Sr.

THE HILL FARM TOMB

Yields Up Its Dead After Nearly TwoYears of Searching

TWENTY-THREE BODIES FOUND

Death Came Quickly and Painlessly in the
Shape of Black Damp

THE GHASTLY SIGHTS SEEN IN THE PIT

By the Coroner’s Jury and Others Yesterday
Names of the Lost Men

MANY ANXIOUS AND more curious people will assemble at the ill-
fated Hill Farm mine this morning to witness the removal of
the bodies of the victims of the disaster of June 16th, 1890,
the long and weary search for which ended yesterday in the
recovery of all but six of the twenty-nine. The flat in which
these bodies were found was reached late Wednesday afternoon.
The air was horrible and no attempt was made to pursue the
search beyond the first few bodies.

Article includes complete account of the recovery of victims. For
complete text, see John X. Joy.

Note from descendant of Richard Bigley: Proper spelling is Bigley. Newspaper
misprinted name as Begley.

Contributed by Lois J Bigley <
ljbigley at yahoo.com>

THE LIVING AND THE ENTOMBED

Who Were Actors in The Sad
Tragedy That made Twenty Homes Fatherless

THE LUCKY ONES WHO ESCAPED THE FLAME OF DEATH
And Made Their Way through the Choking Gas of the Man-way to
Home And Anxious Friends Outside

A LIST OF THOSE WHO MET DEATH IN ITS MOST HORRIBLE FORM
Who the Entombed Miners Were, Where and How They Lived and
the Legacies Death Bequeathed to Their Families
A MUMBLE OF WIVES, SISTERS, MOTHERS AND ORPHANS DEPRIVED
OF SUPPORT

Of the 51 miners who were in the mine at the time of the accident,
30 escaped through the man-way on the left side of the main
slope. The fortunate were as follows, William Landy and two
sons, William and Morris Jones, and William Yates, Barney and
John Cosgrove, Patrick and Terrance Begley, who are brothers
of Richard and Joseph Begley, two of the entombed unfortunates,
Maurice Pine, James Miller, John McGuill, John Kerwin, Edward
Condron, John Boyd, Thos Kelly, George Lowry, James Murphy and
Thomas Shearen. The miners who were in the right heading number
31. Their names were as follows:

THE VICTIMS
Something About Them, Their Families,
Homes and Circumstances

The unfortunate men were residents of Dunbar and vicinity. They
were chiefly of English Irish and Scotch descent, no Hungarians
or Poles having ever been employed at these works. Many of them
owned their neat little homes and those who were not native born
were naturalized. They were a frugal honest body of workmen,
and were above the average miners in intelligence and thrift.
They were personally known to nearly every resident of Dunbar
and vicinity. Almost all were married and fathers of families
ranging in numbers from one to ten children. The following gives
more in detail the condition of the families left fatherless by
the sad calamity.

Article includes individual accounts for each victim. For complete
text, see
David Davis.

Joseph and Richard Begley were brothers. The former had recently
purchased a lot of ground from Bliss & Marshall, at Pechin
station, and had the foundation for a little home almost
completed. He was about thirty years of age and leaves a wife
and two children. Richard made his home with his father, Joseph
Begley, Sr.

THE HILL FARM TOMB

Yields Up Its Dead After Nearly TwoYears of Searching

TWENTY-THREE BODIES FOUND

Death Came Quickly and Painlessly in the
Shape of Black Damp

THE GHASTLY SIGHTS SEEN IN THE PIT

By the Coroner’s Jury and Others Yesterday
Names of the Lost Men

MANY ANXIOUS AND more curious people will assemble at the ill-
fated Hill Farm mine this morning to witness the removal of
the bodies of the victims of the disaster of June 16th, 1890,
the long and weary search for which ended yesterday in the
recovery of all but six of the twenty-nine. The flat in which
these bodies were found was reached late Wednesday afternoon.
The air was horrible and no attempt was made to pursue the
search beyond the first few bodies.

Article includes complete account of the recovery of victims. For
complete text, see John X. Joy.

ROBERT F. BIGLEY

SCOTTDALE, Dec. 27—
Robert F. Bigley, 82 years old, died Friday evening at the home
of his daughter-in-law, Mrs. Elmer Bigley of Cross Roads, after
a two-day illness. He was a former resident of Scottdale, a
molder by trade, and had been retired for a number of years.
He was the last member of his family. He leaves his daughter-
in-law, Mrs. Bigley, seven grandchildren and 13 great-
grandchildren. The funeral service will be held at 2 o’clock
Tuesday afternoon at the Bigley home in charge of Rev. J. T.
Leighliter, pastor of the Pennsville Baptist Church. Interment
will be made in the Scottdale cemetery.

Mae M. Bigrigg

Mae M. Bigrigg, 87, of Harlingen, Texas, formerly of Masontown,
died Monday, Jan. 9, 1995, in Valley Baptist Medical Center,
Harlingen, Texas. She was born May 28, 1907, in Luzerne
Township, a daughter of the late Nathaniel and Sarah Ohler
Murray. In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her
husband, Arthur A. Bigrigg; a daughter, Marian Moore’ a
brother, Ernest Murray, and two sisters, Blanche Peoples and
Ruth Guynn. She is survived by a son, Harry Bigrigg of
Harlingen, Texas; six grandchildren, Steven Bigrigg of Dallas,
Texas; Candace Rogers of Wichita, Ks.; Chelsey Bigrigg of San
Antonio, Texas; Suzanne Bollibon of Vanderbilt; Veronica Moore
of Masontown, and Michael Moore of Uniontown, and a great-
grandchild, Jacob Rogers of Wichita, Ks. Friends will be
received in the BROOKS FUNERAL HOME, INC., 111 East Green St.,
Connellsville, on Thursday from 2 to 9 p.m. A funeral service
will be held Friday at 11 a.m., in the funeral home. Interment
will following in the Scottdale Cemetery.

Local newspaper, Fayette County, PA,
January, 1995

Contributed by Marilyn Tolentino <
SFFoster at aol.com>

William Raymond BILKO ( -1935)

WILLIAM RAYMOND BILKO

William Raymond Bilko, aged one year and three days, died at
the home of his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Steve Bilko, House 65,
Royal, at 1 a.m. Tuesday morning, April 16, 1935. Death was due
to bronchial pneumonia. The child is survived by his parents,
six sisters, Pauline, of Brownsville; Anna and Margaret, of New
York City, and Anna Marie, Irene and Catherine, at home, and
four brothers, all at home, Edward, Joseph, John and Leonard.
Funeral announcement later.

Michael A. Bill

Michael A. Bill, 72, of Grindstone, died Thursday, March 23,
1995, in the Uniontown Hospital. He is survived by his wife,
Ann M. Warchak Bill; a son, Michael A. Bill II of Hollywood,
Fla.; a daughter, Tricia and her husband, Matthew Guffey of
Boston, Mass.; and a sister, Josephine McCoskey of Sterling
Heights, Mich. Friends will be received in the Andrew J.
Skirpan Funeral Home, 135 Park St., Brownsville, on Saturday
and Sunday from 2 to 4 and 6 to 9 p.m.

Local newspaper, Fayette County, PA,
March 1995

Contributed by Marilyn Tolentino <
SFFoster at aol.com>

Nellie M. Cole BILLAK (1921-2008)

Nellie M. (Cole) Billak of Warrenton, Virginia, and a former
resident of Ronco, Fayette County, Pennsylvania, passed away
on Christmas Day, December 25, 2008, in the Prince William
Hospital, Manassas, Virginia. She was born May 6, 1921, in
Grindstone, Fayette County, Pennsylvania, the daughter of
Clyde Cole and Catherine Cole Lloyd. Nellie was preceded in
death by her husband, Charles, daughter, Sylvia, Daughter,
Mary Katherine Miller, her parents, a sister, Ruth Laucher,
and brothers, Clyde Cole and Jack Cole. She is survived by
her brother, Roger Lloyd, of Isabelle, Fayette County,
Pennsylvania, and her sons: Charles E. Billak and wife,
Marlene (Martin), of Warrenton, Virginia, and Robert J. Billak
and wife, Jo Anne (Carrick), of Fairfax, Virginia. She is also
survived by seven grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.
Nellie was laid to rest next to her husband, Charles, in the
Masontown Cemetery, Masontown, Fayette County, Pennsylvania.
MOSER FUNERAL HOME INC., 233 Broadview Avenue, Warrenton, Va.,
20186, (703.347.3431).

Donald R. Biller

Donald R. Biller, 68, of 305 Ramsey Court, Mt. Pleasant, died
Monday April 10, 1995, in Montefiore Hospital, Pittsburgh. He
was born April 13, 1926, in Mt. Pleasant, a son of the late
Rudolph T. and Margaret Biller. Mr. Biller was a member of the
St. Pius X Roman Catholic Church of Mt. Pleasant. He was a
Veteran of World War II, having served with the U.S. Navy. Mr.
Biller attended the All Saints School in Masontown. He was a
member of the VFW Post 3368 and the American Legion Post 446.
Prior to his retirement in 1989, he was the owner of the
Sportsman’s Bar and Grill in Mt. Pleasant. Surviving are his
wife of 48 years, Mary Zapotosky Biller; a son, Donald J.
Biller and his wife, Connie of Mt. Pleasant; two daughters,
Mrs. Larry (Debra) Hribal and Mrs. Daniel (Brenda) Funk, both
of Mt. Pleasant; six grandchildren, Lindsey and Steven Biller,
Adam and Lauren Hribal and Morgan and Taylor Funk; and three
brothers, Rudolph T. Biller Jr., of McClellandtown, Richard
Biller of Huntington, W.Va., and Francis Biller of Masontown.
Friends will be received in the EUGENE G. SALOOM FUNERAL HOME,
INC., Main Street, Mt. Pleasant, today from 2 to 9 p.m. A
Blessing Service will be held, in the Funeral Home, at 9:30
a.m., Thursday, followed by a Funeral Service in the St. Pius X
Roman Catholic Church, with the Rev. Henry Dinicco officiating.
Interment will follow in the St. Pius X Cemetery.

Local newspaper, Fayette County, PA,
April 1995

Contributed by Marilyn Tolentino <
SFFoster at aol.com>

William H. BILLHARTZ ( -1941)

WILLIAM H. BILLHARTZ

William H. Billhartz, 69 years old, Pittsburgh banker and known
in Connellsville, collapsed in a bus terminal at Wheeling, W.
Va., Saturday night and died before he could be taken to a
hospital. Mr. Billhartz was twice married, his first wife
having been the former Miss Mabel Foust, daughter of the late
Mr. and Mrs. S. M. Foust, who for a number of years resided at
the corner of East Crawford avenue and South Prospect street,
this city. His home was in Pittsburgh and he was president of
the St. Clair Deposit Bank of Pittsburgh. He was also an
insurance broker. When stricken he was on his way to
Shadyside, Ohio, to visit at the home of his son, William
Billhartz, Jr. Death was attributed to a heart attack. Mr.
Billhartz was a member of the Pittsburgh Consistory, Knights of
Templar, Syria Temple and Conrad Council of the F. & A. M. of
Alliance, Ohio. Besides his son, he is survived by his wife,
Mrs. Rosa Prall Billhartz.

Mrs. Joseph BILLINGHAM died in 1937. Her obit was contributed to the Fayette
County USGenWeb Project.(2)

Word was received yesterday of the death Sunday morning, April 4, 1937, of Mrs.
Joseph Billingham of Westfield, N. J., only surviving sister of Mrs. A. B. Hutchinson,
of Fairchance.
Annie Lee Alexander Billingham was born in Cambria county, the daughter of William
and Clarissa J. Alexander. Mrs. Hutchinson is the only surviving member
of the Alexander family.
Two daughters survive their mother, together with one grandson. They are
Mrs. Walter H. Oatting and Mrs. James D. Mudge and Joseph Mudge, all at home,
Westfield.

Eddie
BILLS died in 1937. His obit was contributed to the Fayette County USGenWeb
Project.(2)

Driver of Machine had Dimmed Lights to Pass Another Car; Failed to See Victim.

First automobile fatality for the month and the 20th of the year to date, was
registered in Fayette County last night when Eddie Bills, 68, of Brier Hill,
was almost instantly killed when struck by an automobile driven by Stephen Young
of Clarksville.

Immediately following the accident Bills was placed in Young's automobile and
rushed to the Brownsville General Hospital but was dead upon arrival, having
suffered a broken neck and crushed chest.

Young was traveling down the hill a short distance East of Brier Hill about 9
o'clock last night. He had dimmed his lights for an approaching machine
and failed to see Bills, who started walking across the highway.

In an effort to miss the pedestrian, Young swerved his car sharp to the left
but the side of his machine struck the man, knocking him approximately 50 feet.

State Highway Patrolmen at the Uniontown sub-station had compiled an enviable
record for the month prior to the accident last night. They had been successful
in keeping accidents to a minimum with very few seriously injured, and none killed.
The accident therefore spoiled an otherwise good month.

Patrolman A. J. Ziola investigated the accident last night.

(Herald - June 29, 1937)

Frank A. BILONICK (1918-2009)

Frank A. Bilonick, 91, of Bobtown, passed away unexpectedly Sunday,
December 20, 2009, in his home. He was born March 16, 1918, in
Bowood, a son of the late John and Mary Bilonick. Mr. Bilonick
graduated from Uniontown High School. He was a U.S. Army veteran of
World War II. Mr. Bilonick was a member of American Legion Post 51
in Uniontown. He worked 47 years in the coal mines and retired from
J&L Steel's Shannopin Mine in Bobtown, where he was a master
mechanic and chief mine electrician. Surviving are his wife of 68
years, Ruth Lyons Bilonick, whom he married November 4, 1941; four
children, Samuel Bilonick of Uniontown, Timothy and Gregory
Bilonick, both of Maidsville, W.Va., and Suzanne Lamke of Easton; 10
grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; and a brother, George
Bilonick of Bury St. Edmunds, England. Deceased is a son, Michael
Bilonick.

Gregory Lyons Bilonick I, age 56, of Maidsville, W.Va., and formerly
of Bobtown, Pa, passed away unexpectedly Friday, October 8, 2010, in
the Monongalia General Hospital, Morgantown, W.Va. Born June 17,
1954 in Brownsville, Pa., he was a son of Ruth Lyons Bilonick of
Bobtown, and the late Frank A. Bilonick. A 1975 graduate of Western
Penna. School for the Deaf, he was an electrician for Progressive
Industries in Westover, W.Va. for the past 34 years. He enjoyed
woodworking, was an avid fan of the Steelers and Mountaineers, and
was a member of the Fairmont Chapter of the Association for the
Deaf.

In addition to his mother, he is survived by his loving wife, Connie
(Condit) Bilonick; a son, Gregory Lyons Bilonick, II, at home; a
sister, Suzanne Lamke of Easton, Pa.; and two brothers, Timothy
Bilonick of Morgantown, and Samuel Bilonick of Uniontown; and by
many friends. Also deceased is a brother, Michael Bilonick.

Friends will be received in the RICHARD R. HEROD FUNERAL HOME, Point
Marion, Pa., on Monday from 6 to 9 p.m., and Tuesday, from 9 to 10
a.m., the hour of service, with Rev. John "Beeb" Harding
officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be offered to assist
the family at P.O. Box 278, Bobtown, PA 15315.

Samuel B. Bilonick, age 64, of Uniontown, Pa. passed away on
Thursday, March 24, 2011 in his home. He was born August 22, 1946
in Grindstone, Pa., son of Ruth Lyons Bilonick of Bobtown, Pa. and
the late Frank Bilonick. In addition to his father, he was preceded
in death by his brothers Michael and Gregory. Sam was a member of
St. John the Evangelist R. C. Church. He graduated from Mapletown
High School. He worked as a Maintenance Supervisor for Allegheny
Energy for many years.

He is survived by his loving wife of 43 years, Vera Straletts
Bilonick; loving daughters: Lisa Marcello and husband Larry of
Pittsburgh, Pa. and Sammi White and husband Daniel of Uniontown;
grandchildren: Max Marcello, Abigail White, Jackson White, Sarah
White and Ethan White; sister, Suzanne Lamke and husband Dale of
Easton, Pa. and brother, Timothy Bilonick and wife Kristine of
Maidsville, West Virginia and brother-in-law, Robert Straletts and
wife Valerie of Carmichaels.

Friends will be received in the KEZMARSKY FUNERAL HOME, 71
Pennsylvania Avenue, Uniontown, PA. on Sunday, March 27, 2011 from 2
to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. and Monday morning until 9:30 a.m., when
Prayers of Transfer will be said, followed by a 10 a.m. Mass of
Christian Burial in St. John the Evangelist R. C. Church with Rev.
Father Michael J. Crookston as Celebrant..
Interment is private for the family.

Barbara (Szerensci) Bilpuh, age 93, of Masontown, Pa., passed
away on Friday, August 24, 2012 at the Madison Center in
Morgantown, W. Va. She was born on December 12, 1918 in Grays
Landing, Pa., daughter of Alex and Elizabeth (Imling)
Szerensci. Barbara was Russian Orthodox by faith. Before
becoming a home maker for her husband and children and
grandchildren, she spent several years in New York City working
as a Governess. Barbara was preceded in death by her parents;
husband, Joseph Bilpuh; two brothers and seven sisters.
Barbara is survived by her two children: Joseph P. Bilpuh and
his wife Marilyn of Point Marion, Pa., along with Richard J.
Bilpuh and his wife Rebecca of Masontown, Pa.; grandchildren:
Amy Martin and her husband Travis, Kristen Berkshire and her
husband Brandon, Jason Bilpuh and Belinda Bilpuh; three great
grandchildren; Joseph Shipp, Ethan Shipp and Aaliyah Martin; as
well as many nieces and nephews. The family will receive
friends at HAKY FUNERAL HOME INC., 515 North Main Street,
Masontown, Pa., today, August 26, from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m.
and on Monday, August 27, 2012 until 11 a.m., the hour of
Service with the Reverend Bruce R. Judy officiating. Interment
will be held at St. Mary’s Orthodox Cemetery, Masontown, Pa.
Your personal written tributes and memories are welcomed and
encouraged at www.hakyfuneralhome.com

Wanda Bilsky

Wanda Bilsky, 80, of (Lynwood) Belle Vernon, Pa., died Tuesday,
March 26, 1996, in the Monongahela Valley Hospital. She is
survived by a daughter, Loretta Bilsky of (Lynwood) Belle
Vernon; two sons, John R. Bilsky Jr., of Roscoe, Pa., and
Dennis Bilsky of (Lynwood) Belle Vernon; five grandchildren;
two great-grandchildren; and three sisters, Helen Kasuda of
Baltimore, Md., Stella Novak of Brownsville, Pa., and Agatha
Gnus of La Belle, Pa. Friends will be received in the Howard
W. McCrory Funeral Home, Fayette City, Pa., today and Thursday
from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m., and Friday until 9 a.m., the hour
of service.

Local newspaper, Fayette County, PA,
March, 1996

Contributed by Marilyn Tolentino <
SFFoster at aol.com>

Harriet BINKER ( -1917)

MRS. HARRIET BINKER

Miss Margaret Whaley received word of the death of her aunt,
Mrs. Harriet Binker of Sandusky O. Mrs. Binker was 82 years
old and was the daughter of Washington Whaley, who was an early
settler of the Connellsville. She is the last of a family of
11 children.

BINNS, MARY C., 63, of 206 Second St., Brownsville died July 5,
1966 at the Golden Age Nursing Home in Brownsville. She was
born in Fredericktown, Sept. 18, 1902, a daughter of Jesse Y.
and Sophie H. Hill Binns. She was a retired vault custodian
for the Gallatin National Bank and a member of Christ
Episcopal Church. Miss Binns leaves two sisters, Mrs. Alan K.
Taylor and Miss Evelyn Binns; and a brother, Edwin Binns.

Burial in Beallsville Cemetery under the direction of the
Ross Funeral Home.

Obituary from scrapbook. Newspaper & date unknown

Contributed by Marilyn Tolentino <SFFoster at aol.com>

Mrs.
Elizabeth BIRCHNELL died in 1928. Her obit was contributed to the Fayette
County USGenWeb Project.(5)

BIRCHNELL, ELIZABETH
Mrs. Elizabeth BIRCHNELL, aged ?? years, widow of Alfred BIRCHNELL, who died
two years ago, died at her home in Youngstown, Sunday morning, May 27, 1928 at
4:15 oclock. Mrs. BIRCHNELL is survived by the following sons and
daughters: Mrs. David NIXON of Connellsville; Mrs. Robert RIDLEY of Youngstown;
Mrs. J. W. HALL of Lemont Furnace; Robert BIRCHNELL of Fairchance; John BIRCHNELL
of Connellsville; Mrs. Richard RIDLEY of Youngstown; George BIRCHNELL at home;
Mrs. William McCLAUGHLIN of Youngstown. twenty-nine grandchildren and the
following brothers and sisters also survive: Mrs. Anna BROWN ..obit
cut off. Herald Mon. 5-28-1928

Blanche BIRD died in 1910. Her obit was contributed to the Fayette County USGenWeb
Project.(42)

Markleysburg, Henry Clay Township Fayette Co;
This community was shocked on Tuesday morning when Blanche,the eldest daughter
of Samuel and Elizabeth (Glover) Bird died, this being the second death at that
home in 48 hours.
Death notice located ;
Uniontown Daily News Standard
December 7,1910

Elizabeth Jane BIRD died in 1912. Her obit was contributed to the Fayette
County USGenWeb Project.(42)

Mrs. Samuel N.Bird died at her home here after a short illness, leaving a husband
a large family of children and many friends to mourn her.
Obituary located Meyersdale Republican
Markleysburg section
Thursday March 14,1912

Samuel Nicholas BIRD died in 1936. His obit was contributed to the Fayette County
USGenWeb Project.(42)

Samuel Bird aged 73 years two months and 27 days, died at his home in Markleysburg
at 6:15 o'clock Wenesday evening. He had been in failing health several months.
Surviving are his wife Mrs Nancy Umble Bird, and eight children; Hampton, Oliver
and Mrs Dorothy Mitchell of Marleysburg; Ira G. of Monessen, Mrs Hazel McCarthy
of Cokeburg, Demeritt of Belle Vernon, Clifford of Cokeburg; Edwin of Somerset
and four step daughters Bessie and Mary Thompson of Brownfield Beulah Thompson
of Ohiopyle;and Thelme Fike of Clarksburg W.Va. There are 33 grandchildren and
one great grandchild.
Funeral Services will be held Sunday afternoon at 3:o'clock in the Church of
the Brethern, Markleysburg. Rev Calvin C.Wolfe will officiate. The burial will
be in the Thomas Cemetery.
The paulberers are; Elza Van Sickle; L.Williams; Amadee Seese; Kimmell Humberton;
Kimmell Myers and Jess Laraway
Obituary located in Uniontown News Paper of the time December 9,1936.

Sandra L. BIRD ( -1995)

Sandra L. Bird

Sandra Lee Bird, 49, of Carmichaels R.D. 1, died Thursday, Aug.
10, 1995, in Greene County Memorial Hospital, Waynesburg, Pa.
Surviving are her husband, Ira W. Bird, whom she married on
Nov. 13, 1973; her mother, Laura Gerthung of Girard, Ohio; the
following children, Mrs. Coleman (Marilyn) Poole of Wagner,
S.C., Silas Crockett Jr., of Wagner, S.C., Mrs. James (Sharon)
Hathaway of Carmichaels R.D. 2, Mrs. Sandra McClead of
Carmichaels, Mrs. T. John (Carolyn) Perry of Bobtown, Pa.,
Joseph Bird of Masontown, Pa., and Latasha Bird, at home; eight
grandchildren; a sister, Carol Kuntz of Girard, Ohio; and a
brother, Charles Scott of Vienna, Ohio. Friends will be
received in the Paul M. Lesako Funeral Home, Carmichaels, this
evening from 7 to 9 p.m., Saturday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 0 p.m.,
and Sunday until 1 p.m. the hour of service.

Local newspaper, Fayette County, PA,
August, 1995

Contributed by Marilyn Tolentino <
SFFoster at aol.com>

Morris BIRKENFELD died in 1929. His obit was contributed to the Fayette County
USGenWeb Project.(20)

Word has reached here of the death of Morris Birkenfeld, aged 69, well known
resident of South Brownsville, and father of Mrs. J. S. Miller, of this place.
Mr. Birkenfeld who has been in ill health for some, time passed away last night,
November 25, at 8:30 o'clock in his home.

Surviving Mr. Birkenfeld are his widow and the following children: Mrs. Paul
Goldman, Mrs. Rose Kline, Miss Pearl Birkenfeld, Bennie and Max Birkenfeld, of
South Brownsville; Mrs. Sadie Srolovitz, of Coraopolis; Mrs. J. S. Miller,
of Charleroi, Mrs. Helen Gladstone of Dormont; Mrs. Bessie Ginsberg, and a son
of Uniontown.

Funeral services were held this afternoon at 3 o'clock from his late residence
in 317 Water street, South Brownsville, with interment following in the Uniontown
cemetery. (The Charleroi Mail - 11/26/1929)

Edward J. BISCH, Sr. (1927-1995)

Edward J. Bisch, Sr.

Edward J. Bisch, Sr., 68, of New Salem passed away Sunday, Dec.
31, 1995, at his residence. He was born July 11, 1927, in
Footedale, Pa., son of Ignatius and Mary Shurley Bisch. His
parents, a sister, Sophie, and three brothers, Benjamin,
Stanley, and Joseph, preceded him in death. He was a member of
St. Thomas R.C. Church in Footedale, St. Thomas Altar Society,
Teamsters Local 491, New Salem American Legion Post 753,
Fairbank Rod and Gun Club, and Newboro Indians, life member of
Footedale Volunteer Fire Department, and retired driver-
salesman from Fike’s Dairy in Uniontown. He is survived by his
wife, Barbara Wandel Bisch; children, Edward Bisch and wife,
Janet, of Rochester, Ind., Thomas Bisch and wife Alexis, of
Footedale, and Richard Bisch Sr. and wife, Susan, of Uniontown;
six grandchildren, Mike, Mark, Amber, Lauren, and Richard Bisch
Jr. and Brittani Shearer; and sisters, Violet Pasqualone of
Smithfield and Nell Vitz of Footedale. Friends will be
received in the DEARTH FUNERAL HOME, New Salem, today after 7
p.m., Wednesday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. A Mass of
Christian Burial will be said Thursday, Jan. 4, 1996, at 1 p.m.
in St. Thomas R.C. Church, Footedale, with Rev. Fr. James L.
Popochock as celebrant. Interment will follow in St. Thomas
Cemetery, Footedale. The Holy Name (rest of article missing)…

Local newspaper, Fayette County, PA,
January 1995

Contributed by Marilyn Tolentino <
SFFoster at aol.com>

Lillian BISE died in 1934. Her obit was contributed to the Fayette County
USGenWeb Project.(2)

Brief services will be conducted this afternoon at 1 o'clock in the Brethren
church here for Miss Lillian Bise. Rev. W. H. Clough, church pastor, will
officiate. Following this service the cortege will go to the Masontown
Brethren church for additional rites. Burial will be in Masontown cemetery.
(newspaper dated November 27, 1934)

Barbara BISHOP (1826-1896)

Death notice taken from the Obit Index of the
Pennsylvania Room of the Uniontown Public Library.

Uniontown Public Library, Uniontown, PA
— Death Book 1, page 14, line 300

Contributed by Marilyn Tolentino <
SFFoster at aol.com>

Carl BISHOP died in 1937. His obit was contributed to the Fayette County USGenWeb
Project.(2)

Word has reached Mrs. Margaret Hollar of Uniontown of the death of her cousin,
Carl Bishop, 52, of Valley Point, W.Va.
Death came at 11:50 o'clock Thursday morning, June 17, 1937, following a two
months' illness of complications.
Surviving are his mother, his widow, Vernitia Miller Bishop and two daughters.
Funeral services will be conducted at 2 o'clock Saturday afternoon in the home
of his parents-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. Jesse Miller, Valley Point.

Elaine ‘Sis’ Darnell BISHOP (1939-2008)

Elaine "Sis" Darnell Bishop, age 68, of Smithfield, Fayette
County, Pa., went home to be with her Lord on Saturday, March
15, 2008, from Ruby Memorial Hospital, Morgantown, West
Virginia, with her family at her side. Born December 4, 1939,
in Morgantown, West Virginia, she was the daughter of Albert
Darnell and Ruth Cress Darnell. "Sis" enjoyed playing bingo,
cards and dice, and was well known for her skill in sewing. Her
friends and family will continue to admire for many years her
beautiful handmade quilts. She was predeceased by her parents,
her life partner, Ronald Wolfe, a son, Stanley Bishop, her
sister, Sarah Salisbury, a granddaughter, RaeAnn Smith, and two
brothers in infancy. Surviving are her children and their
spouses: James and Jacklin Bankhead, of New Geneva, Fayette
County, Pa., Ruthann Jimenez, of Point Marion, Fayette County,
Pa., Paul and Candace Bankhead, of Smithfield, Pa., Kenneth
Bankhead, of Dilliner, Greene County, Pa., and Charles and
Gloria Bankhead, of Republic, Fayette County, Pa.; nine
grandchildren: Jacklin, Jamie, Russell, Ryan, Rozlyn, Jessica,
Candace, Paul and Kenneth; five great-grandchildren; two
brothers and their wives: Albert and Shirley Darnell, of Gans,
Fayette County, Pa., and Earl and Lisa Darnell, of Morgantown,
West Virginia; three sisters and their husbands: Linda and Don
King and Nellie Schrout, all of Morgantown, West Virginia, and
Bertha and Dave Swihart, of Gans, Pa.; and numerous nieces and
nephews. Friends will be received in the RICHARD R. HEROD
FUNERAL HOME, Point Marion, Pa., on Monday from 2 to 4 and 7 to
9 p.m., and Tuesday, March 18, 2008, until 11 a.m., the hour of
Service, with Rev. Timothy Shumar, officiating. Private
interment will be in Mountain View Cemetery, Stewartstown, West
Virginia.

Jacob BISHOP died in 1869. His obit was contributed to the Fayette County USGenWeb
Project.(17)

DIED
BISHOPAt the residence of his daughter, Jacob Bishop in the 88th year of
his age.
The Genius of Liberty, Uniontown, Pa. July 8, 1869.

Joan Neil Helterbran BISHOP (1925-2011)

Joan (Neil) Helterbran BishopFormerly of North Huntingdon

Joan (Neil) Helterbran Bishop, 85, formerly of North
Huntingdon, died Saturday, March 19, 2011. She was born Dec.
29, 1925, in Connellsville, a daughter of the late John and
Malinda (Humme) Neil. She was preceded in death by husbands,
Raymond L. Helterbran and Harold Bishop; as well as her
siblings, Opal (Neil) Trees, Hazel (Neil) Jones, and Robert,
Jack and George Neil. As a child of the Depression, she was
raised with little but she had a great appreciation of the
things she did have: a loving family, a strong work ethic, an
admiration for beautiful things and a willingness to give of
herself. She enjoyed nature, working in her yard, painting,
singing and creating. She was an amazing woman whose kindness
and generosity will live on long after she is gone. For more
than 40 years she worked as a floral designer, the majority of
years with Johnston's the Florist in North Huntingdon,
Greensburg and White Oak. The promise of springtime eternal has
called her home. She was a long time member of Circleville
United Methodist Church, North Huntingdon, where she belonged
to the choir, United Methodist Women and was a church
treasurer. She was also a former member of the Norwin Art
League. Surviving are children, Cheryl Hand and her husband,
Gregory, of Pittsburgh, Louis Helterbran and his wife, Marsha,
of Vernon, Conn., Beth Helterbran, of Carlisle, and Neil
Helterbran and his wife, Catherine, of Acme; grandchildren,
Rebecca and Matthew Helterbran, Maxwell and Elizabeth Hand and
Desiree and Alyssa Helterbran; sisters, Grace Chambers, of
Washington, and Sandra Smith, of Oklahoma; also nieces and
nephews. Friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m.
Tuesday at the WILLIAM SNYDER FUNERAL HOME, 521 Main St.,
Irwin, 724-863-1200. The funeral service will be held at a time
to be announced Wednesday at the Circleville United Methodist
Church. Interment will follow in Brush Creek Cemetery,
Hempfield Township. Following the interment, everyone will be
invited to join the family for a fellowship meal at the church.
As flowers were her love and passion, we welcome you to
surround her with them. Should you wish to make a donation we
support the following: Alzheimer's Association, Alzheimer's
Disease Research and the Circleville United Methodist Church.

The Daily Courier, Connellsville, PA,
Monday, March 21, 2011

Contributed by Marilyn Tolentino <
SFFoster at aol.com>

Mary Alice BISHOP (1877-1951)

MRS. MARY A. BISHOP

Mrs. Mary Alice Bishop, 74, 216 East Apple Street, widow of
Charles F. Bishop, died at her home at 6:55 o’clock Wednesday
evening after a lingering illness. Born at Broad Ford, February
28, 1877, she was the daughter of the late William and Ann
Stricklin Baldwin. Deceased was a member of the Central
Methodist Church. She is survived by two daughters, Mrs.
Nevada Liddicoat of Stockton, Cal., and Mrs. Virginia Moreland
of 208 East Apple street; one son, Charles H., at home; four
grandchildren; one brother, L. R. Baldwin of Los Angles, Cal.,
two sisters, Mrs. William Reagan of Uniontown and Mrs. Harrison
Cable of Dawson. The funeral will be at 2 P.M. Saturday at the
Ansell funeral home with Rev. C. R. Wick, her pastor,
officiating. Burial will be made in Hill Grove Cemetery.

HEAVY TOLL IS EXACTED OF COMPANIES D AND E IN AISNE-MARNE
BATTLE; OTHER COMMANDS ALSO SUFFER; U-BOATS VERY ACTIVE

NINE OF CONNELLSVILLE
COMMAND ARE KILLED IN ACTION; CO. E LOSES THREE

Everson Boy Formerly of 110th Regimental Band Listed as Among Those
Dying in Action; Seven of Company Care Reported as Being Wounded
Severely.
LOSSES SUSTAINED ON JULY 30 AND AUGUST 1

Sixteen members of Company D, three of Company E, one of the 110th
Regimental band, and several members of Company I fell in battle on
the Aisne-Marne front the latter part of July and August 1,
according to telegrams which were sent out yesterday by the War
Department to towns affected by the fighting.

Other towns represented by members of the old “Fighting Tenth” felt
the hand of war laid heavily upon them.

Milton Lafayette Bishop was 24 years old and was one of the most
widely and favorably known young men of Connellsville. He was
prominent in athletic sports, being a basketball player and tennis
player of some note. He won his letter in basketball as a member of
the varsity team of State college and was an honorary member of the
Maccabee basketball team of Connellsville. The young soldier was
born in Connellsville in the Bishop residence in West Crawford
avenue, May 3, 1893, the youngest son of A. W. and Alice May Bishop.
With the exception of his four years at college he spent all his
life here. After graduating from the Connellsville high school i8n
1912, president of his class at the time, he entered State college,
graduating in horticulture in 1915. He followed that occupation for
only a short time, having not fully decided upon what career he
would follow, when he volunteered his service to his county. At one
time he was employed by the Semet-Solvay Company at Dunbar. He
enlisted in Company D, his three years enlistment expiring, when he
was at State college. When the company mobilized at the armory for
duty in France he re-enlisted and at once was made a sergeant.
Bishop was a member of the First Methodist Episcopal church and was
a young man of estimable character. He was very popular among his
many friends. In addition to his parents he is survived by one
brother, Eugene Bishop of Chicago. Mr. and Mrs. Bishop had received
no word from their son since the big drive in which he lost his
life.

SERGEANT MILTON BISHOP’SDEATH GREAT LOSS TO THE
BOYS OF COMPANY D. 110TH

The boys of Company D, 110th Infantry, have been unanimous in
expressions of their regard for Sergeant Milton Bishop, who was
among the first of the boys of this unit to yield up his life on the
battlefields of France. In letters that have reached Connellsville
frequent mention has been made of the regret felt in the ranks of
Company D at his untimely end. In a letter dated October 23, to his
parents, Mr. and Mrs. Joseph W. Easton of Trevor street, Corporal
Joseph W. Easton of Company D, says:

“Sergeant Bishop was a swell fellow and we all lost a great friend
when we lost him.”

Corporal Easton reports that he is recovering from his wound, saying
that “It won’t be long before I am able to be about again just like
I used to be.”

Referring to the death in action of Private Patrick Cook of Company
D, Corporal Easton says that “It was a great loss to the company,
but believe me we put all the more vigor into the next fray and we
did not let principles and fair play hamper our killing contest.
‘Its’s a great life,’ as the poet says, and in this case we will not
weaken.

“The night those fellows went West we had come back from a battle
(July 30) when we made a big gain. While we were resting behind the
lines the Boches, dropped a few bombs on us. Believe me, it was
real hell for a while, and to see the condition of the poor fellow
who were hit was awful.”

MEN OF CONNELLSVILLE WHO DIED IN THE SERVICE OF THEIR COUNTRY
SIXTEEN YIELD THEIR LIVES ON FIELD OF BATTLE
ELEVEN OTHERS ARE CARRIED OFF BY DISEASE

So far as the records show, 28 men of Connellsville gave up their
lives during the war. Thirteen were killed in action, three died of
wounds, 11 from disease and one by accident.

Other soldiers are listed before and after.

Bishop was killed when a high explosive shell
struck headquarters on the 110th Infantry. No definite word to this
effect ever officially reached his parents, Mr. and Mrs. A. W.
Bishop, though, they were notified by the War Department of his
death. A young man, with a most promising future, his death caused
widespread regret. Sergeant Bishop was 24 years old.

A Coke Charger’s Sad Death.

August Bitner, a charger at the Brownfield works, was run over
by a larry on Monday afternoon and instantly killed. Bitner
got on the larry and rode out on the ovens. He jumped off to
throw a switch and slipped and fell on the track. Before he
could recover himself the larry was upon him. The top of his
head was cut off, scattering the brains all over the track.
Bitner was married a few weeks ago to a Miss Lally and they
lived near Brownfield. His young wife is almost distracted by
grief.

The Courier, Connellsville, PA,
April 5, 1895, page 9, column 1

Death notice taken from the Obit Index of the
Pennsylvania Room of the Uniontown Public Library.

Uniontown Public Library, Uniontown, PA
— Death Book 1, page 10, line 168

Contributed by Marilyn Tolentino <
SFFoster at aol.com>

Charles W. BITNER, Sr. ( -1973)

Death Takes Mr. Bitner

Charles W. Bitner Sr., 80, of New Salem, died Sunday. He had
operated a confectionery in New Salem for 13 years and formerly
had grocery stores in Uniontown and Coolspring. Friends will
be received at the Dearth Funeral Home in New Salem until 1:30
p.m. Wednesday, when services will be held.

BITNER, CHARLES W., SR.—
Friends are being received in the
Dearth Funeral Home, New Salem until today at 1:30 p.m., the
hour of service, with Rufus Peer, Minister, officiating.
Interment in Park Place Cemetery.

Earl K. Bitner, 74, of Connellsville Township, passed away
peacefully Friday, April 27, 2012, at his home, while
surrounded by his loving family. He was born Nov. 1, 1937, in
Pennsville, a son of the late Kenneth E. and Charlene Bryner
Bitner. Earl was a graduate of Connellsville High School with
the class of 1957. Prior to his retirement, he worked as a
coder for Anchor Hocking Cap plant in South Connellsville. He
had served in the Army National Guard and was a member of the
Pennsville United Methodist Church. Earl will be sadly missed,
but fondly remembered by his loving family; his wife,
Charlotte Elaine Love Bitner; his daughters, Susan K.
Gosztyla, of Pennsville, Linda A. McCloy and husband, Kelly,
of Mt. Pleasant, and Andrea J. Bitner, of Mt. Pleasant; a
stepdaughter, Christina D. Newell Connell and husband,
Jeffrey, of Dickerson Run; his grandchildren, Alec Cockrell,
Carol Ann, Mary and Elizabeth McCloy, and Megan, Emily and
Jeffrey Connell; his brother, Craig R. Bitner and wife, Lori,
of Pennsville; and two nephews, Jason Bitner and wife,
Stephanie, and Justin Bitner and wife, Mary. In addition to
his parents, Earl was predeceased by his first wife, Carolyn
Wildey Bitner; his second wife, Carol Ann Isola Bitner; a son,
Michael E. Bitner; and an infant grandson, Andrew Michael
McCloy. Family and friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 6
to 9 p.m. Sunday in the BROOKS FUNERAL HOME INC., 406 E.
Washington St., Mt. Pleasant, (724-547-3800), where a funeral
service will be held at 11 a.m. Monday with the Rev. Dr.
Marvin C. Watson officiating. Interment will be in Green Ridge
Memorial Park, Pennsville. To sign the online guest registry,
please visit www.brooksfuneralhomes.com

The Daily Courier, Connellsville, PA,
Saturday, April 28, 2012

Contributed by Marilyn Tolentino <
SFFoster at aol.com>

Evalina BITNER ( -1987)

Evalina Bitner, of 212 N. Sixth Street, Connellsville,
died Monday, May 18, 1987, in her home. She was born in
Pennsville and lived in Connellsville for over 40 years.
She was the daughter of William H. and Mary Mull Bitner.

The Morning Herald—The Evening Standard, Uniontown, PA,
May, 1987

Contributed by Marilyn Tolentino <
SFFoster at aol.com>

Frank BITNER (1874-1952)

FRANK BITNER

Frank Bitner, 78, of Pennsville, died at his home 6 o'clock
this morning after a serious illness of seven months. He was
born at Bridgeport, March 8, 1874, a son of the late Annias
and Barbara Staulb Bitner. He lived in various localities in
Bullskin Twp. in his early life. For the past 50 years, he
lived at Pennsville. Deceased was a plumber by occupation,
having been employed for several years by the J. I. Dick
Plumbing Company of Scottdale. He was later self-employed. For
the past 10 years, he also operated a farm. Surviving are two
sons, Edward of Pleasant Valley and Frank of Pennsville; a
daughter, Mrs. Pauline Heck of Pennsville, and seven
grandchildren. He was the last surviving member of the family
of seven children. He was preceded in death by his wife, Mrs.
Della Bitner, December 14, 1925, and also a son, Stanley, and
daughter, Irene. The funeral will be held Tuesday afternoon
with a prayer at the home at 2 o’clock followed by additional
rites at 2:30 o’clock in the Mount Olive E. U. B. Church with
Rev. R. A. Nelson, pastor of the Albright, South
Connellsville, and Pennsville E. U. B. churches, officiating.
Interment will be in the church cemetery.

Frank N. Bitner, 89, of Connellsville, Bullskin Township,
passed away Wednesday, Nov. 9, 2011, at his home. He was born
May 6, 1922, in Pennsville, a son of the late Frank and Della
Nicklow Bitner. Prior to his retirement, Frank worked as a
tester for the Duraloy-Blawnox Co. in Scottdale for many
years. He was a veteran of World War II having served in the
Army in the European Theater of action and was a prisoner of
war in Germany. He was a former member of the Connellsville
Slovak Club, the B.P.O. Elks No. 503, the Fraternal Order of
Eagles and the Connellsville Sons of Italy. Frank will be
sadly missed by his loving children, Larry Bitner and his
wife, Judy, of Middletown, Md., and Linda Bitner, of
Connellsville; and his grandchildren, Lance Bitner, of
Alexandria, Va., and Devin Bitner and wife, Colleen, of
Arnold, Md. Frank was the last surviving member of his
immediate family. In addition to his parents, Frank was
predeceased by his wife, Helen N. Newill Bitner in 2000; a nd
a sister, Pauline Heck. Family and friends will be received
from 3 to 5 and 7 to 9 p.m. Friday in the BROOKS FUNERAL HOME
INC., 111 E. Green St., Connellsville, 724-628-1430, where a
funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday with the Rev.
Evelyn Stillwagon officiating. A committal service and
interment will follow Green Ridge Memorial Park, Pennsville.

The Daily Courier, Connellsville, PA,
Friday, November 11, 2011

Contributed by Marilyn Tolentino <
SFFoster at aol.com>

Franklin BITNER (1894-1895)

Death notice taken from the Obit Index of the
Pennsylvania Room of the Uniontown Public Library.

Uniontown Public Library, Uniontown, PA
— Death Book 1, page 11, line 204

Contributed by Marilyn Tolentino <
SFFoster at aol.com>

Grant W. BITNER ( -1951)

GRANT W. BITNER

MOUNT PLEASANT, Mar. 3—
Grant W. Bitner, 81 years old, of Kecksburg died at 10:30
o’clock Friday morning in Connellsville State Hospital. He was
a retired coal miner and a veteran of the Spanish War. He
leaves his widow, Mrs. Jane Porch Bitner; four sons, Allen of
Stahlstown, Harry at home, Wayne of Latrobe and Ray of Mount
Pleasant, R. D. 2, and two daughters, Mabel Bitner of
Pittsburgh and Mrs. Emma Jane Weiers of Latrobe. The funeral
party will leave the home at 3 o’clock Monday afternoon for the
Kecksburg Church of God, where the funeral service will be held
at 3:30 o’clock in charge of Rev. Arnold Berg. Interment will
be in Fairview Cemetery.

MRS. D. C. BITTNER

Mrs. Helen Shroyer Bittner, 30, of Mill Run, died at the home
of her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Shroyer of that place, at
9:42 o’clock Friday evening after an extended illness. She
was born September 9, 1921 at Mill Run and lived all of her
life in this community. Deceased was a member of Pentecostal
Church of South Connellsville. Surviving, besides her
parents, are her husband, David C. Bittner; two sons, Freman
D. and Calvin J., and a daughter, Janet Eileen, all at home;
four brothers, Earl of Connellsville, Freman of Neptune, N.
J., and Ronald and Donald of Mill Run; and four sisters,
Leona, Della Mae, Mrs. Lauretta Bryner and Mrs. Daisy Rugg,
all of Mill Run. A prayer service will be conducted at the
home of her parents at 2 o’clock Monday afternoon with
additional rites at the Mill Run Baptist Church at 2:30
o’clock. Interment will be made in the church cemetery.

GEORGE BITNER

The Body of George Bitner, who died yesterday morning at
Butler, arrived last evening in charge of Funeral Director
Charles C. Mitchell and was removed to the home of an uncle,
Rev. J. H. Bittner of South Arch street, where the funeral
service will be held Thursday at 2 o’clock, with Rev. Theodore
Crouse of Butler officiating. Burial will be in Hill Grove
Cemetery. Mr. Bitner enlisted for service in the World War in
the 214th Engineers. He was stationed first at Camp Forrest,
Ga., and then at Camp Custer, Mich. He did not get overseas.
He was a stepson of J. W. Phelps. Mrs. Myron Coughenour of the
West Side is a sister by adoption. Mr. Bitner was a member of
Trinity Lutheran Church.

John P. Bitner, 75, of Dunbar, died Monday, Jan. 5, at his
home. He was born May 10, 1911 in Mount Braddock, a son of the
late Paul and Elizabeth Vencile Bitner. He was formerly
employed by the Moyer Construction Company. He is survived by
one son, John Jr. of Continental; four daughters, Mrs. Albert
(Joan) Churby of Juniata, Mrs. Donald (Betty) Klink, Mrs.
Larry (Pat) Jeffers and Mrs. Robert (Debbie) Hatfield, all of
Dunbar; three brothers, Steve of Monessen, Fred of Alabama and
Charles of Boonsboro, Md.; two sisters, Frances and Irene of
Baltimore, Md.; 18 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren; and
a number of nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his
wife, Nellie Nedrow Bitner in 1967; one son, William Harvey
Bitner; two daughters, Mary Helen and Margaret Ann Bitner; one
brother, Paul; and two sisters, Anne and Helen.

Kenneth E. Bitner, 87, of Connellsville (Pennsville), died
Friday, Nov. 26, 2004, at the home of his son in Connellsville
Township. He was born March 16, 1917, in Bullskin Township, a
son of the late Earl Ernest and Irene McFadden Bitner. Mr.
Bitner worked as a carpenter and mason and also did plumbing
work. He was also employed in maintenance by the Connellsville
Area School District at the Bullskin Township Elementary
School. He was an excellent musician and played at many area
churches over the years. He is survived by two sons, Earl K.
Bitner and his wife Elaine of Connellsville and Craig R.
Bitner and his wife Lori of Connellsville (Pennsville); five
grandchildren, Susan Gosztyla and her husband Walter, Linda
McCloy and her husband Kelly, Andrea Bitner, Jason Bitner and
his fiancée Stephanie Roth and Justin Bitner; four great-
grandchildren, Alec Cockrell, Carol Ann McCloy, Mary McCloy
and Elizabeth McCloy; and a step great-grandchild Madis on
Roth; one brother, Melvin Bitner and his wife Velma of Mesa,
Ariz.; and several nieces and nephews. In addition to his
parents, he was predeceased by his wife, Charlene Bryner
Bitner in 1978; and a grandson, Michael Bitner in 1990.
Friends will be received from 1 to 9 p.m. Sunday in the BROOKS
FUNERAL HOME, INC., 111 E. Green St., Connellsville, where
services will be held Monday at 11 a.m. with the Rev. Dr.
Marvin Watson officiating. Interment will follow in Green
Ridge Memorial Park, Pennsville.

MARY A. BITNER

Mrs. Mary A. Bitner, aged 68, wife of Wallace E. Bitner, of
Centerville, Washington county, and a widely-known member of
West Pike Grange, died Thursday afternoon, June 9, 1938, in
the Brownsville General hospital after a long illness.
Surviving in addition to her husband are a son, Finley; two
daughters, Mrs. Taylor C. Pepper and Mrs. Ida Lou Yorty, all
of Centerville; two brothers, Robert Woodward, of Smock, and
John A. Woodward, of near Connellsville; three sisters, Mrs.
John A. Allen, Smock; Mrs. B. M. Wade, Perryopolis, and Mrs.
F. B. Galley, Vanderbilt; seven grandchildren and two great
grandchildren. Mrs. Bitner was a member of the Oak Grove
Presbyterian church. Funeral services will be conducted at 2
o’clock Sunday afternoon at the home of a son-in-law and
daughter, Mr. and Mrs. Taylor C. Pepper, in Centerville.
Burial will be in Taylor cemetery.

BITTINGER, JACOB R.—
Age 63 years of Amend, R.D. 3 Uniontown,
died in the Uniontown Hospital Sunday, October 31, 1965 at 5:20
A.M. He is survived by his wife, Pearl Hoover Bittinger and
the following children: Mrs. Catherine Lawrence, Jamison, Pa.,
Roy, Pensacola, Fla., Burleigh, Washington, D.C., Stanley,
Flint, Michigan, Arnold, Mrs. Audrey Fitzpatrick, Mrs. Ethyl
Lockhart and Jacob, all of Uniontown, Arlene, Arlington, Va.,
and Edwin, at home; twenty-five grandchildren and the following
brothers and sister; Mrs. Nettie Weimer, Meyersdale, Pa., Mrs.
Lula Brown, Baltimore, Md., Floyd, Oakland, Md., Norman,
Grantsville, Md., Columbus, Frostburg, Md., and Raymond
Lonaconing, Md. He was a member of the Church of God of High
House. The family will receive friends in the James W.
Goldsboro Funeral home, Fairchance after 7 P.M. today and
Tuesday from 2 to 5 and 7 to 10 P.M. where services will be
held Wednesday at 2 P.M. with the Rev. William Chamberlain
officiating. Interment in Sylvan Heights Cemetery.

Leonard BITTINGER died in 1937. His obit was contributed to the Fayette County USGenWeb
Project.(12)

BITTINGER RITES
Funeral rites for Leonard Bittinger, aged 4, son of Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Bittinger,
of near Thompson Cross Roads, who died Monday, December 20, 1937, in the Uniontown
Hospital from the effects of eating a quantity of medicinal pills, will be solemnized
at 2 o'clock this afternoon from the home of the maternal grandparents, Mr. and
Mrs. Burley Hoover, House 41, in Jamison. Rev. Bun E. Hicks will officiate, and
burial will be in Fairview cemetery, Masontown.

Mrs.
Sirruia BITTLE died in 1909. Her obit was contributed to the Fayette County
USGenWeb Project.(43)
Mrs. Sirruia Bittle, aged 74 years, died at 5:30 oclock Friday morning,
October 22, 1909, at the home of her son-in-law and daughter, Mr. and Mrs. Robert
Cooper, at Dunbar, after an illness of six weeks. She was a native of this county,
her maiden name being Laughrey. Her husband was a soldier in the union army and
sustained wounds in battle that caused His death 23 years ago in Dunbar.
Mr. and Mrs. Bittle for a number of years resided at Hopwood and after the death
of her Husband, Mrs. Bittle made her home with Mr. and Mrs. Cooper, who formerly
lived in Uniontown. The surviving children are Bessie, wife of Mr. Cooper; Mrs.
Lydia A. Pope; and Mrs. Lizzie McDermott, of Dunbar; and Samuel Bittle, of Uniontown.
Mrs. Bittle was a member of the Methodist Protestant church. Funeral services
will be held at Dunbar, Sunday afternoon at 2 oclock and interment will
be made in Franklin Cemetery.

Adolph BITTNER died in 1937. His obit was contributed to the Fayette County USGenWeb
Project.(2)

Solemn requiem mass will be celebrated in St. John's R. C. church at 10:30 Friday
morning for Adolph Bittner, aged 61, Frick pensioner, who died Wednesday morning,
August 18, 1937, at his home in 303 Derrick avenue. Rev. Fr. Thomas J.
Dunn will be the celebrant; Rev. Fr. McCullough, the deacon, and Ref. Fr. Bonfield,
the sub-deacon. Burial will be in St. Mary's R.C. cemetery.
Mr. Bittner is survived by his widow, Mrs. Anna Bittner, and two brothers, Joseph
and Ernest Bittner of Dutch Hill.
He was a charter member of St. John's Holy Name Society and of the Knights of
St. George. Members of both organizations will recite the Rosary at the
family home in Derrick avenue at 8 o'clock Thursday night.
(Standard - August 29, 1937)

August M. BITTNER, Jr. ( -2000)

August "Augie" M. Bittner Jr., 81 of Dunbar Township, Pa., died
Tuesday, May 2, 2000, at his residence. He was a graduate of
Connellsville High School, Class of 1936. Prior to his
retirement in 1982, he was employed by Steel Scaffolding Company.

Surviving are his wife of over 50 years, Mary A. (Masterbray)
Bittner; his children, Mrs. Christine Satovich and husband,
George of New Salem, Mr. Joseph Bittner of Dunbar Township, Mrs.
Celeste Bittner-Habib and husband, Jeffrey of Camp Hill, Pa.,
and Augustine Bittner and wife, Penny of Louisville, Ky.; four
grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

Friends will be received in the Paul G. Fink Funeral Home
Inc., 418 North Pittsburgh St., Connellsville, today from 7
to 9 p.m., and Thursday from noon to 9 p.m., where a Blessing
Service will be held on Friday at 10 a.m.

BITTNER, CHARLES W., SR. — Friends are being
received in the Dearth Funeral Home, New Salem, until
Wednesday, May 2, 1973 at 1:30 PM, the hour of service,
with Rufus Peer, Minister, officiating. Interment in Park
Place Cemetery.

The Evening Standard, Uniontown, PA,
May 2, 1973, page 31, column 5

Death Takes Mr. Bittner

Charles W. Bittner, Sr., 80, of New Salem, died Sunday. He had
operated a confectionery in New Salem for 13 years and formerly
had grocery stores in Uniontown and Coolspring.
Friends will be received at the Dearth Funeral Home in New
Salem from 7 tonight until 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, when services
will be held.

The Morning Herald, Uniontown, PA,
April 30, 1973, page 9, column 5

BITTNER, CHARLES W., SR. — Age 80 years, of 5 E.
Main St., New Salem, died in the Uniontown Hospital on
Sunday, April 29, 1973. He was born in Uniontown on March
20, 1893, the son of the late Joseph and Emma Koepke Bittner.
He was a member of the New Salem Christian Church and the UMWA,
Local 6548. He owned and operated Bittner’s Confectionary in
New Salem for 13 years. He previously owned and operated
Bittner’s Store on S. Mt. Vernon Ave., Uniontown, and Bittner’s
Grocery in Coolspring.

Surviving are his wife, Ella Mae Deal Bittner; the following
children: Mrs. Michael (Grace) Natale of New Salem; Charles W.,
Jr. of New Salem; Mrs. C.R. (Martha Jean) Dissinger of Lebanon;
Mrs. William (Doris) Lincoln of Dearborn, Mich., Kenneth Bittner,
New Salem Rd., Uniontown, R.D. 3; 18 grandchildren; two brothers,
George Bittner of Chicago, Ill. He was predeceased by nine
brothers and sisters.

Friends will be received in the Dearth Funeral Home, New
Salem, after 7 this evening and until Wednesday, May 2, at 1:30
p.m., the hour of service, with Rufus Peer, Minister, officiating.
Interment in Park Place Cemetery.

The Morning Herald, Uniontown, PA,
April 30, 1973, page 27, column 7

Contributed by Marilyn Tolentino <
SFFoster at aol.com>

David C. BITTNER (1922-2009)

David C. BittnerMill Run

David C. Bittner, 86, of Mill Run, died Sunday, July 5, 2009,
in Eichers Family Home, Normalville. He was born Sept. 24,
1922, in Saltlick Township (Backcreek), a son of the late
Calvin Jacob and Anna Fisher Bittner. Dave was retired from
the B&O Railroad, later Chessie System and CSX. He was a 50
year member of the Springfield Township Volunteer Fire
Department and a member of the Normalville Rod and Gun Club.
He was also a member of the Indian Creek Baptist Church, Mill
Run. He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Della Mae Shroyer
Bittner; five children, Freman Bittner and his wife, Doris,
Calvin Bittner and his wife, Kay, Janet Smith, Charles "Butch"
Bittner and his wife, Connie, and Nancy Friend and her husband,
Ronald, all of Mill Run; 15 grandchildren; 25 great-grandchildren;
seven great-great-grandchildren; and two step
great-great-grandchildren. He was the last surviving member
of his immediate family. In addition to his parents, he was
predeceased by his first wife, Helen Shroyer Bittner; one son,
Dwayne Bittner; one brother, Donald Bruce Bittner; and five
sisters, Helen Wolfslagle, Margaret DeWitt, Lana Satcho,
Myrtle Sheets and Frances Hall. Friends will be received
from 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesday and 10 a.m. until 9 p.m. Wednesday
in the CLYDE BROOKS FUNERAL HOME INC., Route 711, Melcroft,
where services will be held at 1 p.m. Thursday with the Rev.
Thomas Bonomo officiating. Interment will follow in Indian
Creek Baptist Cemetery, Mill Run. To sign the guest registry,
please visit www.brooksfuneralhomes.com.

The Daily Courier, Connellsville, PA,
Tuesday, July 7, 2009

Contributed by Marilyn Tolentino <
SFFoster at aol.com>

Dorothy Jane BITTNER (1928-2004)

Dorothy Jane Bittner, 76, of Connellsville (Bullskin Township),
died Monday, July 12, 2004, at the home of her son. She was
born May 29, 1928, in West Lebanon, Pa., a daughter of the
late Ray W. and Ida Livengood Longanecker. Mrs. Bittner was
a resident of Bullskin Township for most of her life. She
was a graduate of Connellsville High School, Class of 1946.
She was employed as a cafeteria worker for Connellsville Area
School District for many years. She was a member of the Ladies
500 Card Club and the Rainbow Bowling League at Yough Lanes.

In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her
husband, Robert D. Bittner, in 1990; three brothers, William S.,
Samuel R. and Paul Longanecker; and a sister, Betty Ellen Ryals.
She is survived by two sons, William Bittner and his wife,
Barbara and Donald Bittner, all of Bullskin Township; four
granddaughters, Jaime Davis and her husband, Zachary, of Dover,
Del., Sarah Bittner, of Bullskin Township, Jennifer Bittner, of
Everson and Katie Bittner, of Everson; a great-grandson, Aiden
Davis; and a brother, James Longanecker and his wife, Beverly,
of Bullskin Township.

Friends will be received Tuesday from
7 to 9 p.m. and Wednesday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. in the
BROOKS FUNERAL HOME INC., 111 E. Green St., Connellsville, where
services will be held Thursday at 1 p.m. with the Rev. Barry
Witt officiating. Interment will follow in Green Ridge Memorial
Park, Pennsville.

Ernest J. Bittner, Jr., age 75 of Uniontown, Pa. passed away
Tuesday, July 25, 2012 in Cherry Tree Nursing Center. He was
born February 12, 1937 in Uniontown, the son of Ernest J.
Bittner, Sr. and Mary C. Wilson Bittner, who preceded him in
death. Ernie worked for the City of Uniontown Street
Department for over thirty years and was a member of Saint
John’s the Evangelist Roman Catholic Church in Uniontown. He
is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Barbara J.
Parkinson Bittner; a son Timothy Lee Bittner of Somerset, Pa.;
a brother Donald J. Bittner of Uniontown; two sisters, Emma
Jean Hyatt and husband Stanley of McClellandtown, Pa. and Mary
Ann Kilgore and husband Donald of Smock, Pa. Arrangements have
been entrusted to the ANDREW D. FERGUSON FUNERAL HOME, INC., 80
Morgantown Street, Uniontown, where friends will be received on
Thursday from 2 until 4 p.m. and from 7 until 9 p.m. and on
Friday, July 27, 2012 from 8 until 9 a.m., followed by a Mass
celebrating Ernie’s life at 9:30 a.m. in the Saint John’s the
Evangelist Roman Catholic Church with Reverend Father James D.
Tringhese as Celebrant. Interment will follow in the Mount
Macrina Cemetery. Memories and condolences may be shared with
the family at adferguson.com.

ELLA MAE BEAL BITTNER—
Age 76 years of 5 Main St., New Salem
died in Uniontown Hospital Tuesday, March 5, 1974. She was
born at Uniontown, a daughter of the later William H. and
Bessie Mae McManus Beal. She was a member of the First
Christian Church, New Salem. Preceding her in death was her
husband Charles Bittner Sr., April 1973, three children, one
brother Ruselle Beal and one sister Evelyn Crawford. Mrs.
Bittner and her late husband had owned and operated dairy
stores in the New Salem, Coolspring and Uniontown areas. She
is survived by the following children: Mrs. Michael (Grace)
Natale and Charles Bittner Jr., both of New Salem. Mrs. Clode
(Martha Jean) Dissinger of Lebanon, PA., Mrs. William (Doris)
Lincoln of Dearborn, Mich., Kenneth Bittner of New Salem Rd.,
the following brothers and sisters: Emmett and Amzi both of
Uniontown, Mrs. Laura Minerd of Uniontown, Eliza Yauger of
Hopwood, Mrs. Elizabeth Marie Bollinger of Kingwood, W.Va.,
William of Uniontown, Willis of Cleveland, Ohio, John of Round
Lake, Ill., Mrs. Ruth Hinckle of Fairchance. Friends will be
received in the Dearth Funeral Home, New Salem from 2 to 4 and
7 to 9 p.m. today and until Friday at 1:30 p.m. the hour of
service. Rev. Rufus Peer, her pastor, will officiate.
Interment in Park Place Cemetery, Uniontown, PA.

BITTNER, EMMA — Aged 87 years of O'Connell Avenue,
died in the Weltner Nursing Home, Tuesday evening, August 2,
1955 at 11:50 o'clock. Surviving are four sons Charles of New
Salem; Dr. William Bittner of Paris Ill.; Albert, George both
of Chicago; two daughters, Mrs. Emma Newhouse and Miss Ann
Bittner both at home; 16 grandchildren; 17 great grandchildren.
She was predeceased by her husband; Joseph Bittner, Sr., on
April 15, 1931 and by four daughters and two sons; Mrs. Minnie
Goetschel, Mrs. Rose Miler, Margaret Bittner, Martha Bittner,
Joseph, Jr. and August. She was a member of St. Paul's Lutheran
Church and the women’s bible class.

Friends will be received in the late residence on O'Connell
Avenue, after 12 noon today where funeral services will be
conducted Saturday afternoon at 2 o'clock with Rev. G.C.
Waldkoening officiating. Internment will be in Park Place
Cemetery under the direction of the Gleason Funeral Home.

The Morning Herald, Uniontown, PA,
August 4, 1955

Contributed by Marilyn Tolentino <
SFFoster at aol.com>

Harriet Louise Havner BITTNER (1921-2004)

Harriet Louise (Havner) Bittner, age 82, of Camp Hill, Pa., passed
away on Sunday, March 28, 2004, in Bethany Village,
Mechanicsburg, Pa. She was born April 9, 1921, in her
family home in Fairchance, Pa. Harriet worked for the Milk
Control Board for seven years and the Railroad Retirement
Board for 32 years. She was a member of The Antique Auto Club
of America and the Hershey Region Antique Auto Club. Two sisters,
Kay Nicalo and Jean Christopher, a brother, Ray Havner, and
parents preceded her in death.

Surviving are her husband of 40 years, Frederick Bittner;
two step-daughters: Carol M. Lambert and her husband William
Lambert of Mt. Joy, Pa., and Kim Casselberry and her husband
Jack Casselberry Jr. of Lewisberry, Pa.; three grandchildren:
William D. Lambert, Mindy S. Goodyear, Michelle Geib; six great
grandchildren; several nieces and nephews.

The Family will receive Friends at the HETRICK FUNERAL HOME
INC., 3125 Walnut Street, Harrisburg, PA 17109 (717-545-3774)
on Friday, April 2, from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Funeral Services
will be held at 11 a.m. with the Rev. Walter Hafer officiating.
Burial will follow in Indiantown Gap National Cemetery.

BITTNER, HAZEL—
Age 67 years, of 422 Coolspring St., died in
the Brownsville Hospital, August 9, 1969, at 3 a.m. The
daughter of the late Abraham and Sadie Miller Kuhns, she was
predeceased by her husband, Joseph Bittner in 1952; a son,
Joseph, Jr. in 1957; two brothers, Charles Kuhns in 1931 and
Lloyd Kuhns in 1957. Surviving are these children, Mrs.
Richard (Betty) Magers of Martan, Indiana; Mrs. Freeman (Anna
May) Davis of Kenasha, Wis.; also four grandchildren and one
great grandchild; three sisters, Mrs. Dewey (Rachel) Ohl of
Delano, Pa.; Mrs. Mike (Elsie) Grzinese of Republic; Mrs.
Andrew (Edna May) Holup of Uniontown; these brothes, Russel
Kuntz of Carmichaels; Walter Kuhns of Farmington; Herbert Kuhns
of Farmington. Friends will be received in the Edward E Minerd
Funeral Home, 195 W. Main St., today from 2 to 5 and 7 to 9
p.m., and Tuesday until 1:30 p.m., the hour of service with
Rev. Robert Randall of the Harbor of Light Chapel, officiating.
Interment will be in Park Place Cemetery.

Janet M. Williams Bitner, 60, of Lemont Furnace, Pa., passed
away Saturday, May 16, 2009 in her home. She was born October
5, 1948 in Pittsburgh, Pa., daughter of the late Elijah "Happy"
and Bernice Schmiedlin Williams.

Surviving are her husband, John "Butch" Bitner, Jr.; these
children: Dawn Shaffer and husband, Karl of Shelby N.C., John
Bitner III, Thomas Lewis Bitner, both of Lemont Furnace, Pa.,
Christopher Bitner and wife, Melissa of New Salem, Pa; four
grandchildren: Samuel Shaffer, Bobbi Guynn, Scott Guynn and
Richard Poole; these brothers and sister: Denny Williams,
Jack Williams, Jeff Williams and wife, Cindy all of Lemont
Furnace, Pa., John Williams and wife, Diane of Big Brownfield,
Pa. and Juanita Rockwell of Bruceton Mills, W.Va.; numerous
nieces and nephews and a special niece, Tonya Lee.

In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by a
daughter, Darla Bitner, a sister, Kathleen Wolfe and three
brothers, James Williams, Mike Geiger and Eric Geiger.

Friends will be received in the CRAWFORD FUNERAL HOME,
Hopwood, Pa. on Wednesday from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m.,
services will be held at 8 p.m. in the Funeral Home with
Pastor Lee Mayle officiating.

Mary C. Wilson Bittner, 86, of Uniontown, Pa., passed away
Thursday, June 26, 2003 in the Uniontown Hospital. She was
born April 3, 1917 in Uniontown, Pa., daughter of George
Wilson and Margaret Hanlon Wilson. Mary was a member of St.
John the Evangelist Roman Catholic Church in Uniontown. Her
parents, beloved husband, Ernest J. Bittner Sr., two brothers,
Charlie and Bobby Wilson, and sister, Beatrice M. O'Conner,
preceded her in death.

Friends will be received in the STEPHEN R. HAKY FUNERAL
HOME INC., A Dignity Memorial Provider, 603 North Gallatin
Avenue Extension, Uniontown, Pa., today from 2 to 4 and 7
to 9 p.m. and again on Monday, June 30, until 9 a.m. when a
Prayer Service will be held. A Mass of Christian Burial follows
at 9:30 a.m. in St. John The Evangelist Roman Catholic Church,
Jefferson Street, with Rev. Fr. William J. Kiel as Celebrant.
Interment will follow in LaFayette Memorial Park, Brier Hill, Pa.

Sarah I. Bittner, 80, of New Salem, Fayette County, Pa., passed
away peacefully Thursday, February 15, 2007, in her home.
She was born April 5, 1926, in Messmore, Fayette County, Pa.,
the daughter of the late Michael and Mary Ternitsky Sitok.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her
husband, Charles W. J. Bittner, Jr., and brothers, George Sitok
and Michael Sitok.

She is survived by the following children: Rosalie Cummings
and husband, George, of Dixon, Tennessee, Myrna Bittner, of
Lebanon, Pa., Faith Shelley, of New Salem, Tracie Kennedy and
husband, Eric, of New Salem, Charles G. Bittner, III, of
Colorado Springs, Colorado, and Michael Bittner, of New Salem;
14 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild;
and a special friend, Lynnie, of Republic, Fayette County, Pa.

Friends will be received in the DEARTH FUNERAL HOME, New Salem,
Pa., on Sunday, February 18, 2007, from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m.
Family and friends will gather on Monday, February 19, 2007, at
11 a.m. in the Funeral Home. Interment will follow in LaFayette
Memorial Park, Route 40 East, Brier Hill, Fayette County, Pa.

Social Security Death Index: Born—–
March 21, 1915
Died—–
October 22, 1995

Local newspaper, Fayette County, PA,
October, 1995

Contributed by Marilyn Tolentino <
SFFoster at aol.com>

Grace BIXLER (1908-1995)

Grace Bixler

Grace Weimer Bixler, 86, of Uniontown, Pa., died Tuesday, Feb.
14, 1995, in Uniontown Hospital. She was born May 5. 1908, in
Little Brownfield, Pa. She was predeceased by her first
husband, Charles Kenneth Sullivan and by her second husband,
Lloyd Bixler; a son, Robert Bixler; a brother, William Bixler
and two sisters, Beryl Brougher and Freda Johnson. She is
survived by two daughters, Mrs. John (Beryl) Olson Moores of
Uniontown, Pa.,; and Ethel Mae Labasik of Monaca, Pa.; six
grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren and two sisters, Mabel
Turner of Uniontown and Buenetta Roby of Smithfield. She
graduated from the Franklin School of Practical Nursing, was a
member of the Christ United Methodist Church of Uniontown and
the Brownfield United Methodist church. Further arrangements
are incomplete and will be announced later by the JEROME W.
SHELL FUNERAL HOME.

Local newspaper, Fayette County, PA,
February, 1995

Contributed by Marilyn Tolentino <
SFFoster at aol.com>

Adeline BLACK (1817-1897)

Death notice taken from the Obit Index of the
Pennsylvania Room of the Uniontown Public Library.

Uniontown Public Library, Uniontown, PA
— Death Book 1, page 9, line 113

Contributed by Marilyn Tolentino <
SFFoster at aol.com>

Anna Grace BLACK (1908-1941)

MRS. RALPH T. BLACK

Mrs. Anna Grace Black, 34 years old, of 815 Trump avenue, wife
of Ralph T. Black, employed in the operation department of the
West Penn Power Company, died at 4 o’clock Sunday afternoon in
Mercy Hospital, Pittsburgh, after a two weeks’ illness. She
had been a patient at the hospital one week. Death was
attributed to complications. A native of Fayette county, Mrs.
Black was born December 14, 1908, at White Post office, a
daughter of Mrs. Elizabeth Keefer Coffman and the late Samuel
Coffman. She was educated in the Saltlick township public
schools and Douglas Business College of Connellsville. After
graduating from the business school in 1923, she entered the
employment of the stores department of the West Penn Power
Company. She also had worked as a clerk in the Troutman
department store here. Mrs. Black was a member of the First
Baptist Church and had a prominent part in church work. At the
time of her death she was serving as superintendent of the
cradle roll. She was also a member of the Philathea Class in
the Sabbath school of that church. In addition to her husband
and mother, she leaves two children, Donald, aged 11, and
Doris, aged nine, both at home; four brothers, Samuel Coffman,
Jr., of Connellsville, Elgie Coffman, Stanley Coffman and
Hobart Coffman, all of White Post office; three sisters, Mrs.
Estella Hoover and Miss Regina Coffman, both of Connellsville,
and Mrs. Hazel Hunter of Warren, Ohio; two half-brothers,
William Coffman of Staffer and James Coffman of White Post
office, and one half-sister, Mrs. Luzetta Flack of Melcroft.
The funeral service will be held at the home in Trump avenue at
2:30 o’clock Wednesday afternoon with Rev. Forrest L. Gilmore,
pastor of the First Baptist Church, officiating. Burial will
be made in Green Ridge Memorial park in charge of Funeral
director Charles A. McCormick.

Little Hope ForGunshot Victim

Hope was slowly waning early this morning for Miss Anna Myrtle
Black, of Old Frame, who shot herself in the breast on Sunday
afternoon in a fit of despondency. In the Uniontown hospital where
her condition was reported as extremely grave, the girl submitted to
blood transfusions yesterday with her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Albert
C. Black being the donors. Little hope is entertained for her recovery.

Miss Black LosesBattle for Her LifeDirect Cause of Death
Given As Pneumonia.Shot In ChestFUNERAL MONDAY

With her battle against a gaping gunshot wound in her left chest
partially won, Anna Myrtle Black, 19, daughter of Mr. and Mrs.
Albert C. Black, of near Old Frame, succumbed Saturday morning at
2:50 in the Uniontown hospital to pneumonia. The dread disease
which caused her death developed last Thursday. The girl fought
valiantly to live. An oxygen tent for two days aided in that fight.
Finally she went beyond medical aid and with her devoted parents at
her bedside the Death Angel struck another shining mark.

Shortly after Anna Myrtle was admitted to the hospital last Sunday
evening she seemed on the verge of explaining her rash act to her
parents. As she attempted to coin the words her strength failed her
and she lapsed into unconsciousness. At no time after that was she
sufficiently strong to make an attempt to reveal the motive for the
shooting, which shocked the entire neighborhood.

Mr. and Mrs. Black were greatly mystified over the shooting. When
they departed last Sunday afternoon for another farm they owned, the
girl declared she would remain at home and read. Shortly after
being left alone she went to an adjoining room where her father’s
.32 caliber revolver, loaded with two cartridges, hung in a clothes
press. Making herself comfortable the girl apparently was reading a
fiction story while reclining on her bed when she decided to take
her own life.

The book lay nearby as also did her father’s revolver from which a
bullet had been sent into her chest. A futile search was made for
farewell notes that would explain her action. None was found. The
motive remained a mystery until the parents recalled the words of
Anna Myrtle’s girlfriend in the California Teachers college that
“Anna is working too hard.” She explained that at the start of the
second year, the Georges township graduate had elected to take an
extra course in mathematics—doubling her work. The studies without
recreation seemed to affect the girl’s mind although she never
complained.

“She just studies and studies, never goes out” was the way Anna
Myrtle’s friend expressed her apprehension of over study. This is
being accepted by authorities as the only logical motive.

The body was removed to the Vance funeral parlors in Smithfield. In
addition to her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Albert C. Black, she leaves a
brother, Frank, also at home and her grandparents, Mrs. Jessie Black
and Mr. and Mrs. William T. Humphries, all of Smithfield. Funeral
services will be conducted Monday afternoon at 2:30 o’clock from the
home. Rev. Samuel Wade Stewart, pastor of the Baptist church of
Smithfield and Rev. C. D. A. Hoon, pastor of the Smithfield
Presbyterian church, will be in charge. Burial will be in Old Frame
cemetery.

Anna Ross BLACK died in 1937. Her obit was contributed to the Fayette County
USGenWeb Project.(2)

Fayette county friends will learn with regret of the death of Mrs. Anna Ross
Black, 83, who passed away Tuesday evening at 8:30 at the home of her daughter,
Mrs. F. L. Frankenberger, 401 Fife avenue, Morgantown, W.Va.
Mrs. Black, despite her advanced years, has always enjoyed remarkable health
and her death came as a shock to family and friends. She had been ill just
five days.
Surviving are the following children: W. Grier Black, New York; Mrs. J.
A. Reimer, Los Angeles; Hardey B. Black, Pittsburgh; Mrs. C. A. Conn, Saltsburg;
S. Dawson Black and Mrs. Frankenberger, both ?????
(balance of obit is missing)
(Standard - March 11, 1937)

Barbara M. 'Bobbie' BLACK (1938-2008)

Barbara M. "Bobbie" Black, 69, of Uniontown, Fayette County, Pa,
passed away on Thursday, January 17, 2008, at her home. She was born
on July 3, 1938, in Uniontown, Pa, daughter of John and Susan
(Magar) Crofcheck. Her parents, husband Ronald W. Black, and her
sister Dolores "Dolly" Liptock, preceded her in death. Left to
cherish her memory are her children, Carla Sue Kennison and husband,
Frank, of Lakewood, Ohio; Tammy Lynn Black, at home; and Andrea
Shawn Landman and husband, Chris, of Connellsville, Fayette County,
Pa; three grandchildren, Lee Ann Mincer, Erin Mincer, and Rhian
Marie Landman; a great grandson "soon to arrive" Caleb Edward; a
sister, Betty Allamon and husband, Bob, of Fairbank, Fayette County,
Pa; many nieces and nephews; and very special friend, Donna Minnick,
of Rowe's Run, Fayette County, Pa. She also leaves behind her
beloved pets, her dog, "Oscar" and her cat, "A.C." Barbara, known
lovingly by her family and friends as "Bobbie", had been a member of
St. Mary (Nativity) Roman Catholic Church, in Uniontown. She was a
graduate of North Union High School, in Fayette County, Pa., Class
of 1956, and was a wonderful homemaker, cook, and gifted baker. An
avid bingo player, she also enjoyed going to Atlantic City with her
family. Friends will be received in the STEPHEN R. HAKY FUNERAL
HOME, INC., 603 N. Gallatin Ave., Ext., Uniontown, Pa., on Saturday
and Sunday, from 2 to 4 and 6 to 9 p.m. Visitation will be held on
Monday, January 21, 2008 from 9 a.m. until 10:30 a.m., when a
Blessing Service will be held in the funeral home chapel, with the
Rev. Father Micah E. Kozoil, officiating. Interment will follow at
Sylvan Heights Cemetery, Uniontown, Pa. Your personal written
tributes and memories are welcomed and encouraged at
www.hakyfuneralhome.com

Barry L. Black, 58, of Dunbar, died Thursday, March 24, 2011, in
UPMC Presbyterian, Pittsburgh. He was born Nov. 16, 1952, in
Connellsville, a son of the late Harry Black and the late Mildred
Kingan Black. He was a member of Assembly of God Church,
Connellsville. He was a veteran of the Vietnam War, serving with the
Army. Surviving are his wife, Marjorie Martin Black; children, Paula
Upton, Barry Black Jr. and his wife, Amanda, Harold Black and his
wife, Sara; stepson, Michael Leapline; brothers and sisters, Ray
Black, Gaylord Black and his wife, Kathy, Larry Black and his wife,
Karen, Roxanne Sanner and her husband, Chuck, Harry Black and his
wife, Tammy, Kevin Black, and Karen Ross and her husband, Chris;
uncles and aunts, Raymond Kingan and his wife, Patty, Don Black,
Arlene Kessler and her husband, Chuck, and Dave Black and his wife,
Connie; and five grandchildren. He was preceded in death by
Grandson, Austin. Friends will be received from noon to 8 p.m.
Sunday and Monday in the BURHANS-CROUSE FUNERAL HOME, 28
Connellsville St., Dunbar. Services will be held at 1 p.m. Tuesday
in the funeral home with Pastor Lee Maley officiating.

The Daily Courier, Connellsville, PA,
Saturday, March 26, 2011

Contributed by Marilyn Tolentino <
SFFoster at aol.com>

Betty Jane BLACK (1936-2003)

Betty Jane BlackScottdale

Betty Jane Black, 67, of Scottdale, died Tuesday, Sept. 2, 2003, in
the Oak Hill Nursing Center, Greensburg. She was born June 15, 1936,
in Greensburg, a daughter of Catherine Herczyk Huey of Greensburg,
and the late Edgar P. Huey. A “Navy wife” for 32 years, Betty Jane
was predeceased by her husband, Harrold H. Black Sr., YNCS (USN,
Ret.) and a great-granddaughter, Madelyn M. Halliday. She is
survived by six sons, Harrold H. Black Jr. (Linda) of Dickerson Run,
Robert E. Black (Rae) of Mount Pleasant, Michael A. Black (Sandy) of
Virginia Beach, Va., Terry L. Black of Scottdale, Douglas C. Black
(Melissa) of South Hills, Va., and Christopher M. Black (Stephanie)
of Jeannette; a daughter, Marianne Rhodes (Michael) of Scottdale; 18
grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren; two brothers, Edgar
“Butch” Huey of Louisville, Ky., and Ronald Huey of Bovard; and a
sister, Mary “Midge” Copper of Apollo. Friends will be received at
the BARNHART FUNERAL HOME, 505 E. Pittsburgh St., Greensburg,
Thursday from 2 to 5 p.m., at which time a blessing service will be
held in the funeral home with the Rev. William C. McGuirk
officiating.

The Daily Courier, Connellsville, PA,
Wednesday, September 3, 2003

Contributed by Marilyn Tolentino <
SFFoster at aol.com>

Clara Mae Rankin BLACK (1910-2000)

BLACK, CLARA MAE RANKIN—
Age 90, born September 22, 1910, in North
Union Twp., died December 30, 2000, in the Pleasant View Nursing
Community, Manheim, Lancaster Co., PA. She had been a resident of
that community since 1993 and a patient in the nursing unit since
1998. Mae graduated from the Uniontown High School Class of 1928
and was first employed in the District Office of the Pa. Highway
Dept. She switched her membership from the Second Presbyterian
Church to Asbury Methodist Episcopal Church after her marriage. She
joined her husband in operating the Vernon Black Refrigeration Services.

MRS. CORA BLACK

Mrs. Cora Gertrude Beatty Black, 72, of 360 North Arch St., died at
5:45 a.m. today at Connellsville State Hospital where she was
admitted Thursday. She was born at Leisenring No. 1 August 6, 1884,
the daughter of James and Frances Jones Beatty and was a resident of
the local area all of her life. She was a member of the Central
Methodist Church. She is survived by four sons; Albert of South
Connellsville, Harry of Maywood, Calif., Donald of Connellsville and
Jess at home; three daughters, Mrs. Olive Camlin and Mrs. Leola
Schobert of Connellsville and Mrs. Fay Hall, at home; 21
grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren. Her husband, James Lynn
Black, died in 1930. The body will be at the Munk funeral home after
8 p.m. today.

Deborah Ann Black, 45, of Gilmore, Georges Township, Fayette County,
Pa., died Thursday, September 27, 2007, in West Penn Hospital,
Pittsburgh, Pa., with her loving family by her side. She was born
December 23, 1961, in Brooklyn, New York, daughter of Allen G. Dean
and Nancy Bander Dean. Debbie was predeceased by her father, Allen
G. Dean, and her father and mother-in-law, Paul and Mary Black, Sr.
She was formerly employed for 17 years as a manager with Hardee's
Restaurant, in Morgantown, W.Va., and Uniontown, Fayette County, Pa.
Surviving are her loving husband, Kenneth R. Black; her loving
daughters, Alicia Marie Black and Samantha Dawn Black; her mother,
Nancy Dean, of Gans, Fayette County, Pa.; sisters, Cathy Beck and
husband, Thomas, of Masontown, Fayette County, Pa., and Christina
Lawrence and husband, Jeff, of Willow Spring, North Carolina;
brothers, Wayne Dean and wife, Mary, of Morgantown, W.Va., Warren
Dean, of Buckeye, Arizona, Christopher Dean, of Gans, Pa., and James
Dean and wife, Ronette, of Fuguay, North Carolina; eight nieces; ten
nephews; and brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law. The family will
receive friends in the DEAN C. WHITMARSH FUNERAL HOME, 134 West
Church Street, Fairchance, Fayette County, Pa., today, September 30,
2007, until 2 p.m. the hour of service with Pastor Joe Ritz
officiating. Interment will follow in Maple Grove Cemetery,
Fairchance, Pa.

DELLA RAE BLACK

Della Rae Black, aged one year, two months and 19 days, infant
daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Howard Black, of Waltersburg, died Sunday
morning, April 19, 1936, in Uniontown hospital. Besides her parents
she is survived by one sister, Gayle, and four brothers, Charles,
Leslie and Thomas Black, all at home and Ottis Black, with the U. S.
Army in Panama. Funeral services will be conducted in the residence
this afternoon at 2 o’clock in charge of Rev. J. Byers Brice, pastor
of Pleasant View Presbyterian church. Burial will be in Flatwoods
cemetery.

Dolly M. Black, 94, of Dunbar, died Monday, Aug. 10, 2009, at her
home. She was born Oct. 12, 1914, in Sang Run, Md., a daughter of
the late Joseph W. and Florence Savage DeWitt. Mrs. Black was a
member of the Full Gospel Church of Mt. Braddock and the
Connellsville Senior Citizens. She is survived by a daughter,
Alberta Lewandowski and her husband, Robert, of Summerfield, Fla.;
eight grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; and a sister. In
addition to her parents, she was predeceased by a daughter, Sarah
Glover; five brothers; and four sisters. Friends will be received
from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday in the BROOKS FUNERAL HOME
INC., 111 E. Green St., Connellsville, where services will be held
at 1 p.m. Thursday with the Rev. Elliott Leighty officiating.
Interment will follow in Sylvan Heights Cemetery. To sign the guest
registry, please visit www.brooksfuneralhomes.com.

The Daily Courier, Connellsville, PA,
Wednesday, August 12, 2009

Contributed by Marilyn Tolentino <
SFFoster at aol.com>

Elizabeth 'Lib'Reese BLACK (1930-2010)

Elizabeth "Lib" Reese Black, 79, of Greensboro passed away Easter
Sunday morning, April 4, 2010 in Southwest Regional Medical Center,
Waynesburg. Born April 5, 1930 at Bobtown, Pennsylvania she was the
daughter of Theodore and Beatrice (Davis) Reese. She had attended
the Point Marion High School and was a faithful member for many
years of the Mapletown United Methodist Church. A life member and
Past Matron of the Order of The Eastern Star, "Lib" continued to be
active in the Uniontown Chapter No. 263. Her loving husband, Fred
C. black, died on August 26, 2002. "Lib" was the last of her
immediate family having been predeceased by her parents, three
brothers, three sisters. Surviving are her two children and their
spouses: Marsha and Roy Remington of Jefferson, Pa., and David and
Hope Black of Greensboro, Pa. ten grandchildren; nine great
grandchildren; and brother-in-law, Don Black and his wife Vi of
Canonsburg, Pennsylvania. Friends will be received in the RICHARD
R. HEROD FUNERAL HOME, Point Marion, Pa., Tuesday from 2 to 4 and 7
to 9 and Wednesday, April 7, 2010 until 1 p.m., the hour of Service
with the Rev. Kenneth Haines officiating. Interment will follow in
Monongahela Hill Cemetery, Greensboro, Pennsylvania.

EVANS W. BLACK

Mrs. G. R. Hayden, 41 Winchell avenue, is in receipt of word telling
of the death, Sunday, February 21, 1932, in his home in North Loup,
Neb., of her uncle, Evans W. Black, a native Fayette countian. Born
at Fort Necessity, December 27, 1853, Mr. Black was the youngest and
last surviving of five children of Henry and Orpha Brown Black. When
but a young man he went to Nebraska and in 1884 was married to Miss
Nellie Chase, who preceded him in death. Surviving are two children,
Henry Black and Mrs. L. O. Greene, both of Detroit, Mich., together
with 10 grandchildren. In 1887 he founded and for several years
edited, The Loyalist, a North Loup newspaper.

Local newspaper,
February, 1932

Contributed by Marilyn Tolentino <
SFFoster at aol.com>

Fred C. BLACK (1929-2002)

Fred C. Black, 73, a longtime resident of Greensboro, Pa., died
Monday, August 26, 2002 at his home. He was born July 18, 1929 in
Fairmont, West Virginia, a son of the late Fred C. and Anna May
Jenkins Black. He was a 1947 graduate of Mapletown High School and a
member of the Mapletown United Methodist Church. He was formerly
employed with the Army Corps of Engineers, Pittsburgh Division,
where he first started out with the diving team examining the locks
on the river and retired as Superintendent of Maintenance after 44
years of service. Fred was an avid hunter and was currently serving
on the Greensboro Borough Council. He is survived by his loving
wife, Elizabeth Reese Black; two children and their spouses, David
and Hope Black of Greensboro and Marsha and Roy Remington of
Jefferson, Pa.; five grandchildren; three step-grandchildren; three
great-grandchildren and a brother Don Black of Canonsburg, Pa.
Friends will be received in the RICHARD R. HEROD FUNERAL HOME, Point
Marion, Pa., on Wednesday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. and Thursday
until 11 a.m. the hour of service with Rev. William L. Parker
officiating. Interment follows in Monongahela Hill Cemetery,
Greensboro. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to the
Mapletown United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 502, Greensboro, Pa.
15338 or the Washington-Greene County Hospice, 10 Leet Street,
Washington, Pa. 15301.

Uniontown Public Library, Uniontown, PA
— Death Book 2, page 20, line 313

Contributed by Marilyn Tolentino <
SFFoster at aol.com>

Harriet Susan BLACK ( -1931)

Mrs. Harriet Black Dead

Mrs. Harriet Susan Black, 72 years old, died Friday at her home at
Lemont of complications of diseases. She was the widow of Andrew
Black and is survived by the following children: Luke P. of Shoaf,
Hugh N., William L., Mrs. Mary Lynch, Mrs. Frank Miller, all of
Uniontown; John T. of Haddenville, James C. of Charleroi. The
funeral cortege will leave the home of her daughter, Mrs. Frank
Miller, 149 Searight avenue, Uniontown, at 2 o’clock Sunday
afternoon and will proceed to Pleasant View church at Royal, where
services will be conducted at 2:30 o’clock by her pastor, Rev. Byers
Brice. Burial will be in the church cemetery.

Harry Lee Black, Jr., 39, of Point Marion passed away suddenly
Saturday, April 10, 2010 at home. He was born December 30, 1970, in
Waynesburg, son of Barbara McClead Hooper and Harry L. Black Sr.
Lee was a self-employed Carpenter and was a Sub-contractor for
Holland Construction. He is survived by his Mother, Barbara Hooper
and step-father, Silas Hooper of Kenansville, North Carolina and
Father, Harry L. Black Sr. and step-mother, Patricia Black of
Waynesburg; Maternal Grandmother, Lorina Miller and step-
grandfather, William Miller of Eutawville South Carolina; his Wife,
Tonya Bork Black; four children: Timothy, Jason, Melyssa, and
Samantha Black all at home; one sister, Michele Jones of Niles,
Ohio; three brothers: David Black of Salem, Mass., James Black of
Canton, Ohio, Robert Robinson of Mt. Olive, North Carolina; several
nieces and nephews. Lee was preceded in death by his brother, Guy
Rush on November 8, 2009. Friends will be received in the LOUIS E.
RUDOLPH FUNERAL HOME, Thomas B. Rudolph, Funeral Director &
Supervisor, 15 Main St., Point Marion on Wednesday, April 14, 2010
from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. and on Thursday, April 15, 2010 until 11 a.m.,
the hour of service with Rev. Brian Young and Pastor James Black
officiating. Interment will follow in the Evergreen Memorial Park,
Point Marion.

Uniontown Public Library, Uniontown, PA
— Death Book 1, page 10, line 154

Contributed by Marilyn Tolentino <
SFFoster at aol.com>

Howard A. BLACK (1925-1996)

Howard A. Black

Howard A. ‘Hal’ Black, 70, of Gary, Ind., and formerly of
Centerville Borough, Pa., died Tuesday, March 5, 1996, in
Methodist Hospital, Gary, Ind. He was born July 30, 1925, in
Brownsville, Pa. He is survived by his parents, Howard and
Annabel Mullen Black of Uniontown, Pa., two sisters, Patricia
Johnson of Allen Park, Mich., and Janet Anast of New York City,
a niece, Robin Johnson Zimberg of Allen Park, Mich., a nephew,
Ralph Johnson of Dearborn, Mich., and two great-nephews, Daniel
and Nathan. Arrangements are under direction of the FAGEN-
MILLER FUNERAL HOME, 1920 Hart St., Dyer, Ind.

Local newspaper, Fayette County, PA,
March 1996

Contributed by Marilyn Tolentino <
SFFoster at aol.com>

Hugh N. BLACK (1881-1937)

HUGH N. BLACK

Hugh N. Black, 56, died at 9:30 o’clock Sunday morning, May 2, 1937,
in his home, North Gallatin avenue, following a six week illness of
complications. Surviving are a son, Ernest Black, or North Gallatin
avenue; two step-children; Harry Raymond, Beaver Falls, Mrs.
Margaret Sinclair, Pittsburgh; four brothers: Luke, William and John
Black, of Uniontown; James of Charleroi; and two sisters, Mrs. Anna
Miller and Mrs. Margaret Lynch, of Uniontown. Funeral services will
be conducted in the Ernest Black residence at 2 o’clock Tuesday
afternoon in charge of Rev. W. H. McKinney, pastor of the Central
Christian church. Burial will be at Sylvan Heights.

Note from contributor: Born–born 1881

Daily News Standard, Uniontown, PA,
May 3, 1937, page 12, column 3

Contributed by Marilyn Tolentino <
SFFoster at aol.com>

James H. BLACK (1944-2006)

James H. Black, 62, of Cleveland, Ohio, and formerly of Gilmore,
Fayette County, Pa., passed away April 10, 2006. He was born on
January 23, 1944, the son of Paul Black and Virginia Black. He was
preceded in death by his parents, a brother, Paul Black, Jr., and
sisters, Norma Holbrook and Barbara Stewart. James is survived and
sadly missed by his wife, Kay Black; children, James, Kevin, Luke,
and JoAnn Black; 17 grandchildren; brother, William Black and his
wife, Ellie, of Warren, Ohio; sisters, Loretta Howell, of
Smithfield, Fayette County, Pa., Linda Hokavar, of Cleveland, Ohio,
Ida Robbins and her husband, Chuck, of Smithfield, Pa.; several
nieces and nephews; and a special friend, Mary Brewer, of Hopwood,
Fayette County, Pa.

BLACK, JAMES LOWELL—
Age 48, of Herndon, Va., died February 26,
1995, in Fairfax Hospital, Fairfax, VA. He served in Vietnam with
the U.S. Air Force, in Japan, and later in Thailand. He was also a
graduate of Uniontown High School and a detective with the
Metropolitan Police Force in Washington D.C. He retired in 1989.
Born April 27, 1946 in Waltersburg, Pa., he was the son of John E.
Black and Virginia Hawn Black, the husband of Becky Jo Forest Black,
and the father of Anthony and Tammie Black.

James Lynn BLACK died in 1930. His obit was contributed to the Fayette County
USGenWeb Project.(2)

James Black 58 years old died at 10:15 last night at his home, 709 Run avenue.
He had been ill a long time and bedfast for 6 months. Mr. Black was
born at Rices Landing June 4, 1872. The son of the late James T. and Elizabeth
Black he was married July 9, 1900 to Miss Cora Beatty, daughter of the late Colonel
and Mrs. James Beatty of Licenring. There were 9 children surviving and
the wife: the following sons and daughters; Harry, Donald, Melvin, Cora,
Fay, James and Jesse all at home, Mrs. Olive Camlin, Albert and Mrs. Leola Orndorf
of this city and the following brothers and sisters; R. A. Black of Nemacolin,
A. H. Black of Cambridge, O., Anna Worcester of Brownsville and T. W. Black of
Connellsville.
Mr. Black had been a resident of the community for 30 years. He was formerly
engaged as a painter and paper hanger for many years. He suffered from
lead poisoning. The funeral will be Monday at 2:00. Interment will
be at Laurel Hill cemetery.
(Daily Courier Connellsville - June 14, 1930)

Jane Smith BLACK (1875-1897)

Death notice taken from the Obit Index of the
Pennsylvania Room of the Uniontown Public Library.

BLACK, JOHN E.,—
70, of 260 Prospect St., Brownsville, former
President of the Brownsville Borough Council, died of a heart attack
at his home, September 5, 1966. He was a former member and president
of the West Brownsville school board and a member of the Central
Presbyterian Church. He was a retired employee of the Pennsylavania
Railroad. Surviving are his wife, Mrs. Helen Koches Black, two
daughters, Mrs. David Pursglove and Mrs. James Ziglear, and a
brother, Robert. Burial will be in LaFayette Memorial Park under the
direction of the Ross Funeral Home.

Local newspaper,
September, 1966

Contributed by Marilyn Tolentino <
SFFoster at aol.com>

John E. BLACK ( -1969)

BLACK, JOHN E.—
Age 61 years, of Wick Haven, died Friday, August 22,
1969, at 2:55 PM in the Uniontown Hospital. Surviving are two sons;
John E. of Banning and Charles E. of Little Ferry, N.J.; two
daughters, Mrs. Glenn (Violet) Phillips of Elyria, Ohio and Mrs.
Edward (Elsie) Fisher of Smithdale, Pa.; fourteen grandchildren; two
sisters; Mrs. Elsie Fell of Pittsburgh and Mrs. Violet Demko of
Belle Vernon; two brothers; Paul H. and Robert E., both of
Perryopolis. His wife, Melvina Black, preceded him in death.
Friends will be received in the Blair Funeral Home, Perryopolis
after 7 p.m. today. Funeral services Monday at 3 p.m. in the
funeral home with Rev. Glenwood Davis officiating. Interment in
Mill Grove Cemetery, West Newton.

John E. Black, 93, of Waltersburg, Fayette County, Pa., passed away
Saturday, October 28, 2006, in Belleville, Illinois. He was born
July 6, 1913 in Smock, Fayette County, Pa., son of the late Joseph
L. and Maude Lowther Black. John was a member of the Waltersburg
Church of the Nazarene, where he was a Sunday School teacher and a
Lay Minister. He was a retired mechanic from Monaghan Chevrolet. In
addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife,
Virginia Haun Black; three sons, Ronald Black, James Black, and
Samuel Black; granddaughter, Amy Beth Black, brothers and sisters,
Oliver Black, Joe Black, Sanford Black, Mabel Fowler, Molly Finley,
and Mary Finley. He is survived by his children, David Black, of
Rushville, Ohio, Kay Gansor and her husband, Richard, of Baltimore,
Maryland, and Wanda Oplinger and her husband, Henry, of Belleville,
Illinois; thirteen grandchildren; and numerous great-grandchildren.
Friends will be received in the DEARTH FUNERAL HOME, New Salem,
Fayette County, Pa., Friday, November 3, 2006, from 2 to 4 and 7 to
9 p.m. Visitation will continue in the Waltersburg Church of the
Nazarene on Saturday, November 4, 2006, from 10 until 11 a.m., the
Hour of Service with his grandson, the Rev. Robert L. Oplinger and
the Rev. Bruce Poling, officiating. Interment will follow in
LaFayette Memorial Park, Route 40 East, Brier Hill, Fayette County, Pa.

Kenneth Allen Black, age 42, of 1805 Hunters Ridge, Brownsville,
Pa., and formerly of Jackson Street, Brownsville, Pa., who was born
in Brownsville, Pa., and graduated from Brownsville High School
Class of 1980, died Thursday, May 19, 2005, in Brownsville General
Hospital. He is survived by his wife, Debra Craig, a son, Eric
Friend, a daughter, Angel Friend, stepsons, Daniel Craig and
Benjamin Craig, and stepdaughter, Maggie Craig, all of Brownsville,
Pa.; and a half-brother, Percy Black Jr. Friends are invited to join
with the family for a Memorial Service today (Saturday, May 21) at 5
p.m. in Hunters Ridge Community Center, Brownsville, Pa.
Funeralization by the Law Funeral Home, 1325 Angle Street,
Brownsville, Pa.

Leslie G. Black, age 90, of St. Petersburg, Florida, died Friday,
March 26, 2004. He was born November 11, 1913 in Waltersburg,
Fayette County, Pa., son of Howard and Saloma (Hank) Black. Mr.
Black was a retired Safety Inspector from Consolidated Coal Company.
He was the beloved husband of the late Willys Black; loving father
of Marlene and her husband Richard King and Leslie Black and his
wife Jean. He is also survived by five grandchildren, three great
grandsons and one great great grandson. Funeral arrangements by
BEINHAUER FUNERAL HOME, A Member of Woodruff Family Services L.L.P.,
2828 Washington Road, McMurray, PA 15017 (724-941-3211), Richard C.
Beinhauer, Supervisor, where Friends will be welcomed on Saturday,
April 3, from 11 a.m. until the time of Service at 2 p.m. Interment
will be private. The Family suggests that memorial donations be made
to the American Heart Association, 10 Duff Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15235.

Lolenna Black, 68, of Pittsburgh, Pa., passed away Monday,
April 3, 2000. She was born Nov. 11, 1931, in Brownsville,
Pa., the daughter of the late Lewis F. Black Sr., and Hattie
Phillips Black. She was a nurse for over 40 years, and was
employed by St. Francis Hospital, Pittsburgh, Pa. In addition
to her parents, she was preceded in death by two brothers,
William Phillip Teenie Black and Lewis F. Black Jr.; and two
sisters, Ethel Mae Pompei and Ella Louise Black. Surviving are
five sisters, Josephine Davis and Hattie Vance, both of
Brownsville, Beatrice Moore and Lavada Black, both of
Pittsburgh, Pa., and Gloria Dean Hyman of Robinsonville, N.C.;
two brothers, George Kenneth Black of Paris, Ky., and James R.
Black of Warren, Ohio; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins,
other relatives and friends. Friends will be received in the
LAW FUNERAL HOME, 135 Angle St., Brownsville, today from 2 to
4 and 7 to 9 p.m., and on Thursday from 9 to 11 a.m., the hour
of services, with the Rev. Dr. Herman Jackson officiating.
Interment will be in LaFayette Memorial Park, Brier Hill, Pa.

Mary D. Black, age 81, of Perryopolis, PA passed away, Sunday,
December 12, 2010. She was born May 12, 1929 in Perryopolis, PA, the
daughter of the late George and Mary Kunso Derkach. Mary was a
member of St. Nicholas Byzantine Catholic Church, Perryopolis, PA
and the Altar Society of St. Nicholas Byzantine Catholic Church.
She is survived by one son, Paul E. Black and wife Philomena; one
daughter, Mary L. Bowser both of Perryopolis, PA; three
grandchildren: Douglas Bowser and wife Jaclyn, Charles Bowser,
Patrick Black; two great-grand-children, Nina Bowser, Alyssa Bowser
and one sister, Sofia Branthoover of Perryopolis, PA. In addition to
her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Paul H.
Black, two sisters, Helen Shimko and Margaret Angelo. Friends will
be received in the BLAIR-LOWTHER FUNERAL HOME, INC., 305 Rear
Independence Street, Perryopolis, PA, today, 7 to 9 PM, Wednesday 2
to 4 and 7 to 9 PM and on Thursday, where a Parastas Service will be
held at 11 AM in the funeral home. The Rev. Father Robert Halus will
be celebrant. Interment will be held in the St. Nicholas Cemetery,
Perryopolis, PA.

Mary Hindman BLACK died in 1931. Her obit was contributed to the
Fayette County USGenWeb Project.(2)

Mrs. Mary Hindman Black, wife of the late Dr. John C. Black of Greensboro, died
Wednesday, September 23, 1931 at 3:20 a.m., in the home of a daughter, Mrs. O.
I. Farmer, Greensboro. Death resulted from a complication of diseases superinduced
by advanced age. Deceased was a daughter of the late John A. and Mary Blosser
Hindman and was born May 31, 1852. Surviving are three children, Mrs. John
W. Krepps of Byrer avenue, Uniontown, and Mrs. O. I Farmer and J. Reamer Black
of Greensboro, together with five grandchildren and four great grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held Friday afternoon, September 25, at 3 o'clock in
the Farmer home, Greensboro, with burial in Monongahela Hill cemetery, Mapletown,
Greene county.
(Herald - Sept. 24, 1931)

Mary R. Hoffman BLACK (1927-2006)

Mary R. Hoffman Black, age 78, of Gilmore, Uniontown, Fayette
County, Pa., passed away to be with her Savior and Lord Jesus Christ
on Thursday, March 2, 2006. She was born August 31, 1927, in Camp
Hill, Halifax, Pa., daughter of Robert L. and Margaret P. Hoffman.
Mary was a member of Calvary Baptist Church in Uniontown. She was
predeceased by her parents, her loving husband of 57 years, Paul R.
Black, Sr., who died on February 4, 2005, brother, Harold Hoffman,
and daughter-in-law, Vinnie Black. Surviving are her nine children:
Donna and her husband, Bud Walls, of Kentucky, Sharen and her
husband, David Skiles, of Delaware, Paul Robert Black, Jr., of
Arkansas, Bruce Black and his wife, Tracey, of Gans, Fayette County,
Pa., David Black and his wife, Cindy, of Gilmore, Pa., Kenneth Black
and his wife, Debbie, of Gilmore, Pa., Robbin and her husband,
Church Brook,s of Washington state, Suzanne and her husband, Jim
Williams, of Gilmore, Pa., and Randy Black and his wife, Patti, of
South Carolina; 14 grandchildren; five great grandchildren; sisters
and brothers: Nancy Troutman, Dorothy Schadel, Kay Rebuck, Jean
Enders, Robert L Hoffman, Jr., Clarence Hoffman, Jr., Ray Hoffman,
Jack Hoffman, Bill Hoffman, Carl Hoffman, and Larry Hoffman; and
many nieces and nephews. The family will receive friends in the
DEAN C. WHITMARSH FUNERAL HOME, 134 West Church Street, Fairchance,
Fayette County, Pa., on Sunday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. and on
Monday, March 6, from 9 until 10 a.m. Services begin at 10 a.m. with
the Rev. Joe Ritz officiating. Interment will follow in Mountain
View Memorial Park, Brownfield, Fayette County, Pa. Memorial
contributions may be made to Calvary Baptist Church, 308
McClellandtown Road, Uniontown, PA 15401.

MRS. MAY BLACK

Mrs. May Black, 66, of Wick Haven, died at 9:40 o’clock Monday
evening in West Penn Hospital in Pittsburgh. Surviving are
her husband, Charles; three daughters, Mrs. Irene Zungell of
Bell Vernon, Mrs. L. P. Graham of Pittsburgh and Mrs. Violet
Denko of Belle Vernon, R. D.; four sons, Elmer of Monessen,
John of Wick Haven, Paul of Perryopolis and Robert at home; 11
grandchildren and three great grandchildren. The funeral will
be held at 2 o’clock Friday afternoon in the home. Interment
will be made in Flatwoods Cemetery.

Nancy Carol (Washabaugh) Black, 66, formerly of Connellsville,
passed away at her home in Warrenton, Va., Saturday, June 5, 2010.
Her parents were the late Norman C. and Cora B. (Riggar) Washabaugh,
also of Connellsville. She is survived by her husband, William H.
Black, of Warrenton, Va.; daughter, Lisa Cutsail and her husband,
Jim, and their son, Jarret, of Warrenton, Va.; son, Brian Black and
his wife, Noelle, and their sons, Ethan and Will, of Warrenton, Va.;
and brother, Warren Washabaugh and his wife, Dollie, of Monongahela.
A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. Sunday, June 13, 2010, at
Warrenton Presbyterian Church, 91 Main St., Warrenton, VA 20186.
Donations may be made in Nancy's name to Hospice of the Rapidan, PO
Box 1715, Culpeper, VA 22701.

The Daily Courier, Connellsville, PA,
Monday, June 7, 2010

Contributed by Marilyn Tolentino <
SFFoster at aol.com>

Nannie H. BLACK
(1880-1895)

Death notice taken from the Obit Index of the
Pennsylvania Room of the Uniontown Public Library.

Uniontown Public Library, Uniontown, PA
— Death Book 1, page 10, line 155

Contributed by Marilyn Tolentino <
SFFoster at aol.com>

Orly Larue BLACK died in 1937. His obit was contributed to the Fayette County
USGenWeb Project.(2)

Orly LaRue Black, aged four years and three months, died at 10:10 o'clock Saturday
morning, in Uniontown Hospital. He was a son of Mr. and Mrs. Orly Black,
277 North Gallatin avenue.
Surviving besides the parents are three brothers and two sisters: John,
Allen, Beverly and Adris Rae Black, all at home.
The body has been removed to the home of the maternal grandfather, D. B. Livingston,
37 Highland avenue.
Short services in the Livingston residence at 2 o'clock Tuesday afternoon
are to be followed by additional rites in Sandy Hill church, in charge of Rev.
J. A. Somerville, of the Christian Missionary Alliance. Burial will be
in Sandy Hill church cemetery.
(Herald - June 16, 1937)

Paul BLACK
(1877-1895)

Death notice taken from the Obit Index of the
Pennsylvania Room of the Uniontown Public Library.

Uniontown Public Library, Uniontown, PA
— Death Book 1, page 2, line 147

Contributed by Marilyn Tolentino <
SFFoster at aol.com>

Paul Robert BLACK, Sr. (1928-2005)

Paul Robert Black, Sr., 76 years, of Gilmore, Uniontown, Pa., died,
February 4, 2005, in Uniontown Hospital. He was born August 23,
1928, in Uniontown, Pa., son of Paul Franklin Black and Virginia
Pearl Moore Black. Paul was employed for many years with Sterling
Faucet in Morgantown, West Virginia, until his retirement. He was a
member of Mount Moriah Baptist Church in Smithfield, Pa. His
parents and two sisters, Norma Jean Holbrook and Barbara Stewart,
preceded him in death. Surviving are his wife of 57 years, Mary R.
Hoffman Black; nine children: Donna and her husband, Bud Walls, of
Kentucky, Sharen and her husband, David Skiles, of Delaware, Paul
Robert Black Jr. of Arkansas, Bruce Black and his wife, Tracey, of
Gans, Pa., David Black Sr. and his wife, Cindy, of Gilmore, Pa.,
Kenneth Black and his wife, Debbie, of Gilmore, Pa., Robin and her
husband, Chuck Brooks, of Washington state, Suzanne and her husband,
Jim Williams, of Gilmore, Pa., and Randy Black and his wife, Patti,
of South Carolina; 14 grandchildren; five great grandchildren; three
sisters and two brothers: Loretta Howell of Smithfield, Pa., Linda
Hakovor of Ohio, Ida Robbins of Uniontown, Pa., Bill Black of Ohio
and Jim Black of Ohio; and several nieces and nephews. The family
will receive friends in the DEAN C. WHITMARSH FUNERAL HOME, 134 West
Church Street, Fairchance, Pa., on Monday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9
p.m. and on Tuesday, February 8, until 10 a.m., the hour of Service
with the Rev. Jay Hurley officiating. Interment will follow in
Mountain View Memorial Park, Brownfield, Pa. Memorial contributions
may be made to Mount Moriah Baptist Church, Church Street,
Smithfield, PA 15478.

Raymond BLACK died in 1918. His obit was contributed to the Fayette County USGenWeb
Project.

BLACK, RAYMOND
Following an illness of influenza-pneumonia, RAYMOND BLACK, five years old, of
New Salem, died early Monday morning. His father, THOMAS BLACK, died last
week of the same malady. Dod. 12-2-1918
Courier Thurs. 12-5-1918

Robert W. BLACK (1934-2011)

Robert W.BlackConnellsville

Robert W. Black, 76, of Connellsville, passed away Tuesday, April
12, 2011, in UPMC Presbyterian, Pittsburgh. He was born July 29,
1934, in Connellsville, a son of the late Edna M. Black Murray. Bob
was employed as a welder for the Alaskan Pipe Line for several
years. He was a member of the Sons of Italy, Fraternal Order of
Eagles, American Legion, Loyal Order of Moose, Independent Italian
Club and Bridgeport Sportsman Club. Bob is survived by his loving
companion, Michele M. Lint; a sister, Margaret Pearl "Sis" White, of
St. Charles, Mo.; and will be sadly missed by several nieces and
nephews; and his pet dogs, Shadow and Katy, and pet cats, Boots and
Tiger. Bob was preceded in death by two brothers, Donald Murray and
James Black; and a sister, Nancy Crawford. Bob will be sadly missed
by the many friends he met and associated with throughout the years.
Friends will be received from 11 a.m. to noon Tuesday in the VITO C.
MARTUCCI FUNERAL HOME, 123 South First St., West Side,
Connellsville, 724-628-9033, where a memorial service will be held
noon with Pastor Lee Maley officiating. Interment will be private.

The Daily Courier, Connellsville, PA,
Thursday, April 14, 2011

Contributed by Marilyn Tolentino <
SFFoster at aol.com>

Samuel E. BLACK (1939-2005)

Samuel E. Black, 66, of Uniontown, Pa., passed away unexpectedly at
his residence with his family at his bedside, September 26, 2005.
He was born in Waltersburg, Pa., on March 30, 1939, son of John E.
Black and the late Virginia Hahn Black. In addition to his mother,
Virginia Hahn Black, he was preceded in death by a daughter, Amy
Black and two brothers, Ronald and James Black. He was a retired
forklift operator for Anchor Hocking for over 42 years. He was a
member of the Glass, Molders, Plastics & Allied Workers
International Union, and a lifetime member of the Hutchinson
Sportsman Club. He was an avid Jeff Gordon fan and enjoyed watching
races and collecting memorabilia. Sam was a loving husband, father
and grandfather. He will be sadly missed by his father, John E.
Black of Flatwoods, Pa., his beloved wife, Janet Brown Black; two
sons: Samuel K. Black of Westminister, Calif., and Scott E. Black of
Uniontown, Pa., and a daughter, Sheila M. Yowler and husband, Norman
of Uniontown; five grandchildren: Amy, Nicholas, Storm, Sara B., and
Scotty; a brother, David Black and wife, Sharon of Ohio, two
sisters: Kay Gansor and husband, Rich of Ohio and Wanda Oplinger and
husband Henry of Illinois and many nieces and nephews. Friends will
be received in the DOLFI FUNERAL HOME, 436 North Gallatin Avenue,
Uniontown, Pa., this evening from 7 to 9 p.m., Wednesday from 2 to 4
and 7 to 9 p.m. and on Thursday, September 29, 2005, from 9 to 10
a.m. the hour of service with the Rev. Bruce Polling officiating.
Interment will follow in Sylvan Heights Cemetery, Uniontown, Fayette
County, Pa.

Stacey Louise Black, 32, of Brownsville, Fayette County, Pa., passed
away Thursday, December 15, 2005, in Tara at Brownsville General
Hospital. She was born May 2, 1973, the daughter of Elia Louise
Brooks of Brownsville, and the late William "Teeny" Black, Sr.
She graduated from the West School for the Handicapped. She was a
devoted homemaker. In addition to her father, a brother, William
Philip Black, preceded her in death. She leaves to cherish her
memory three siblings: William "Teeny" Black, Jr., Anthony Black and
wife, Toni and Brandon Dade, all of Brownsville; her maternal
grandmother, Marie Brooks, of Brownsville; her grandfather, Frank
Wells; and many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. Friends may
visit with the family on Monday, in the LAW FUNERAL HOME, 135 Angle
Street, Brownsville, Pa., from 6 to 9 p.m. where funeral service
will be held on Tuesday, December 20, 2005, at 11 a.m. with Elder
Ples Jones, Jr., officiating. Interment will be in Woodlawn Cemetery.

Uniontown Public Library, Uniontown, PA
— Death Book 1, page 19, line 501

Contributed by Marilyn Tolentino <
SFFoster at aol.com>

William P. BLACK (1959-2005)

Former Brownsville Man Dies In Motorcycle Accident

By Cindy Ekas-Brown, Herald-Standard

A former Brownsville man was killed Tuesday afternoon when his
motorcycle collided with a minivan at Ninth and Ferry streets in
Easton, which is located in Northampton County in eastern
Pennsylvania. William P. Black, 46, of Easton and formerly of
Brownsville, was flown to St. Luke's Hospital in Fountain Hill,
where was he was pronounced dead about an hour later, according to
reports in The Expess-Times newspaper in Easton. Lehigh County
Coroner Scott Grim said Black died of chest and abdominal injuries.
Grim told The Express-Times that Black's death was officially ruled
an accident. A passenger on Black's motorcycle, David Williams of
Forks Township, also was transported to St. Luke's Hospital, where
he was listed in critical but stable condition. Easton police Sgt.
John Remaly is investigating the crash. Police said a 1990s Plymouth
Voyager was heading north on Ninth Street in Easton at 5:50 p.m.
Tuesday when it ran a stop sign at Ferry Street. Black, who lived
in the 1100 block of Washington Street, was heading west on Ferry
Street when the two vehicles collided. Police declined to identify
the minivan's driver, who lives in Wilson Borough.

Black was born April 17, 1959, in Brownsville, son of Elaine
Fitzgerald Lewis of Brownsville, and the late William Black. He and
his wife, the former Beverly Hungerford, celebrated their ninth
wedding anniversary on March 9. After graduating from Brownsville
High School, Black last worked as a baker in the Washington, D.C.,
area. He enjoyed riding his motorcycle and playing pool and
basketball. He was a member of Trinity Baptist Church in Easton.
In addition to his wife and mother, he is survived by five
daughters, Tasha McGee of Pittsburgh, Gina Hungerford, Sharmin
Thomas and Chenelle Hungerford, all of Easton, and Crystal
Hungerford of Bethlehem; four grandchildren, Erin McGee, Daejia
Thomas, Bea'u Lantosh and Treyvon Fitzpatrick; four brothers,
Anthony Black and his wife, Toni, of Uniontown, Alfred Riley,
Brandon Dade and Teeny Black, all of Brownsville; and his maternal
grandmother, Margaret Fitzgerald of Uniontown. Friends will be
received in the Mount Lebanon Baptist Church on Baltimore Street in
Brownsville from 10 a.m. to noon Tuesday, the hour of service.
Burial will follow in LaFayette Memorial Park in Brier Hill, under
the direction of the Muriel E. Lantz Funeral Home, 297 E. Main St., Uniontown.